text:
|Número de publicación
|Tipo de publicación
|Número de solicitud
|Fecha de publicación
|1 May 2001
|Fecha de presentación
|15 Ago 1997
|Fecha de prioridad
|29 Dic 1995
|También publicado como
|Número de publicación
|David E. McDysan
|Cesionario original
|Mci Communications Corporation
|Exportar cita
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citas de patentes (7), Otras citas (17), Citada por (69), Clasificaciones (17), Eventos legales (3)
|Enlaces externos: USPTO, Cesión de USPTO, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/581,263, filed Dec. 29, 1995, now abandoned.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer internetworking. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a resilient internetwork connection between frame relay networks.
2. Related Art
Frame relay (FR) end user-systems or networks are interconnected by a separate data network. User-network interfaces link each FR end user-system to the data network. In commercial applications, these user-network interfaces include gateway switches provided in nodes near business premises for switching data between a FR network and the interconnecting data network. Greater volumes of vital communications traffic are now sought to be sent over long-distances between interconnected FR systems. Sound network-to-network interconnections which transfer data reliably and quickly from end-to-end without error is increasingly important.
Unfortunately, a number of problems can occur resulting in network-to-network failure. Physical trunk failures, such as a fiber cut, can halt communication between frame relay networks. For example, lightning, backhoes, train derailment, trawler nets, and shark attacks have been reported to have severed or impaired fiber connectivity. See, Grover, W., PhD., "Distributed Restoration of the Transport Network," p 337. Even more likely culprits for internetwork connection error are hardware and/or software created problems such as network-interface card (NIC) failure or human error in software loading.
Self-healing networks, such as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, can restore communication to overcome some types of failure. Restoration algorithms and protocols allow the self-healing network to re-route data within the self-healing network to avoid a faulty switch, node, or trunk. Even failures at a physical user-network interface connected to the self-healing network can be detected. A communication path within the self-healing network can be restored by switching to a pre-configured back-up path through the self-healing network.
Unfortunately, such resiliency of a self-healing network is limited to an internal response within the self-healing network. Without communication from the self-healing network, end-user systems remain unaware of a detected failure. Failures at the user-network interface are especially troublesome. For example, a broken physical interface linking an end user system and self-healing network will be detected and responded to by the resilient network. The ignorant end-user system, however, will continue to try to send and receive data through the failed physical interface. In this case, the Network-Network Interface (NNI) between the end-user network and the self-healing network is not resilient.
This problem is especially acute between interconnected frame relay networks. Frame Relay is only specified as a User-to-Network Interface (UNI) protocol. There is no standard protocol specified between a FR network and a self-healing network which allows a Network-Network Interface (NNI) to automatically detect a single point failure such as failed physical interface (or link). End-to-end performance suffers as the NNI cannot re-route traffic over non-failed or pre-configured back-up link(s). Thus, the lack of NNI resiliency prevents the interconnection of frame relay networks with end-to-end reliability which is not vulnerable to a single point failure.
What is needed then is a resilient interconnection from end-to-end between frame relay networks. A resilient NNI is needed which can re-route traffic to avoid a failed physical interface or link. For FR networks interconnected by a self-healing network, a standard protocol is needed which allows a NNI to automatically respond to physical interface failures detected by the self-healing network.
The present invention pertains to a method and system for a resilient internetwork connection of frame relay (FR) networks. For FR networks interconnected by a self-healing network, a standards-based protocol is provided which allows a resilient network-to-network interface (NNI) to automatically respond to physical interface failures detected by the self-healing network. In the resilient NNI, switching gateways re-route further traffic to avoid the failed physical interface. End-to-end resiliency is obtained between frame relay networks interconnected by a self-healing network which is not vulnerable to single point of failure.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a resilient NNI is provided between a FR network and a self-healing ATM network. A simple set of interacting protocols and mechanisms is provided between FR/ATM gateways and ATM switches. Each FR/ATM gateway includes interworking function (IWF) processing modules for converting user data between frame relay packets and ATM cells and for processing status signaling messages to obtain a resilient NNI. The status signaling messages are used to determine when the physical interface which receives cell data differs from the physical interface over which cell data was sent. This change in the receive physical interface indicates the self-healing network has switched from using the transmit physical interface due to a detected failure within the self-healing network, or at the destination gateway.
In one FR/ATM embodiment, each FR/ATM gateway includes a switch interconnecting FR-IWF and ATM-IWVF modules. According to the present invention, Tx ATM PHY and Rx ATM PHY fields are used internally within the FR/ATM gateway to identify the ATM physical interfaces through which cells are transmitted and received from the ATM network. Through status signaling messages, each ATM-IWF module transmits a Rx ATM PHY field in response to receiving ATM cells from the ATM network. Each FR-IWF module then compares Tx ATM-PHY and Rx ATM-PHY fields to determine whether the receive ATM physical interface differs from the transmit ATM physical interface as a result of self-healing in the ATM network. Cell traffic can then be switched to the receive ATM physical interface or to another pre-configured back-up physical interface.
Thus, the present invention takes advantage of the automatic self-healing in the ATM network by including interworking processing at each FR/ATM gateway to detect differences between transmit physical interfaces and receiver physical interfaces for each logical connection trunk. In this way, each FR/ATM gateway in response to status signaling messages can switch rapidly and accurately from a primary ATM UNI physical link to a back-up link. A resilient end-to-end frame relay system is realized which overcomes single-point failures, and even some dual failures in the interconnection network.
In general, a resilient NNI according to the present invention can be provided in any two FR switching nodes linked by a self-healing network, which may be as simple as two pairs of physical connections between the gateways. A four node full mesh design can also be realized. A further simple extension allows a two-level hierarchical network of resilient NM nodes to be implemented that can scale to very large sizes via a tandem FR/ATM switching function. Further hierarchical switching can employ the Virtual Path switching concept of ATM to support even larger networks.
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art make and use the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating different examples of different end systems and/or networks interconnected by a self-healing network.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a FR/ATM internetwork including standard FR/ATM Network Interworking Scenario 1 Protocol Stacks.
FIG. 3 shows a FR/ATM Interworking Function including FR Status Signaling Protocol Stacks.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a resilient FR/ATM internetwork according to the present invention.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show example ATM switching scenarios in the event of ATM-UNI failures.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show interconnections of FR/ATMGateway to ATM Network Switches.
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of dual homed diverse ATM switches linked by a separate UNI physical interface to detect a remote interface failure.
FIG. 8 shows usage of diverse ATM PVCs to provide a resilient NNI.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a Frame Relay/ATM Gateway according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a Frame Relay InterWorking Function module according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an ATM Interworking Function module according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the processing of data through a FR-IWF module according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the processing of data through an ATM-IWF module according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an example of a four node full mesh ATM network for use in the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates a two-level network hierarchy incorporating resilient NNI according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows a resilient NNI, according to the present invention, configured between Proprietary Frame Relay Networks.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number typically identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.
I. Overview
II. Example Environment
III. FR/ATM Internetworking
IV. Resilient Network-Network Interface
A. Example ATM Switching Scenarios in Event of ATM UNI Failures
B. Interconnection of FR/ATM Gateway to ATM Network Switches
C. Dual Homed Configuration ATM-UNI Fault Detection Mechanism
D. Usage of Diverse ATM PVCs to Provide Resilient NNI
V. Frame Relay/ATM Gateway Block Diagram
A. Frame Relay InterWorking Function (FR-IWF)
1. Resilient NNI Module
B. ATM InterWorking Function (ATM-IWF)
1. Tx/Rx ATM-PHY/UNI Switching Module
VI. Example Four Node Full Mesh Network
VII. Illustration of Two-Level Hierarchy
VIII. Resilient NNI between Proprietary Frame Relay Networks
IX. Conclusion
X. Acronym Appendix
The present invention pertains to a resilient internetwork connection of frame relay (FR) networks. For FR relay networks interconnected by a self-healing network, a standard protocol is provided which allows a resilient network-to-network interface NNI to automatically respond to physical interface or node failures detected by the self-healing network. In the resilient NNI, switching gateways re-route further traffic to avoid the failed physical interface. End-to-end resiliency is obtained between frame relay networks interconnected by a self-healing network which is not vulnerable to single point failure.
In one embodiment, a resilient NNI is provided between a FR network and a self-healing ATM network. A simple set of interacting protocols and mechanisms control communication between FR/ATM gateways and ATM switches. Each FR/ATM gateway includes interworking function (IWF) processing modules for converting user data between frame relay packets and ATM cells and for processing status signaling messages to obtain a resilient NNI. The status signaling messages are used to determine when the physical interface which receives cell data differs from the physical interface over which data was sent, thereby indicating the self-healing network has switched from using the transmit physical interface due to a detected failure. Cell traffic can then be switched to the receive ATM physical interface or to another pre-configured back-up physical interface.
The present invention is described in the example environment of a communications internetwork for frame relay systems. Description in these terms is provided for convenience only. It is not intended that the invention be limited to application in this example environment. In fact, after reading the following description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention in alternative environments.
As shown in FIG. 1, a self-healing network 120 interconnects multiple frame relay end systems. Frame relay end terminal 100 is connected to the self-healing network 120 through a frame relay user-to-network interface (FR-UNI) 105 and a user gateway 110. Frame relay server 140 is likewise connected through FR-UNI 135 and gateway 130.
A user can also be interconnected via an intervening frame relay network.
Frame relay server 150 is connected to the self-healing network 120 through FR-UNI 155, FR Network 157, and gateway 160. Frame relay end terminal 180 is connected through FR-UNI 175, FR Network 177, and gateway 170.
As depicted in FIG. 1, each user-network gateway 110, 130, 160, and/or 170, includes Interworking Function (IWF) processing for converting, if necessary, data from a frame relay protocol format to the protocol used by the self-healing network.
In general, self-healing network 120 can be any computer network employing a protocol which supports multiple logical connections. The computer network must be able to self-detect a physical failure and must include a status signaling in its protocol indicative of a change between physical trunks and/or interfaces. For example, ATM, B-ISDN, Internet (TCP/IP), SNA, X.25, and even Frame Relay, can all be used as the self-healing network 120.
Finally, when the self-healing network is an ATM-type of network, an ATM end server system 190 can be connected as well through an ATM-UNI 185. Although FIG. 1 shows only single connects between the gateways 110, 130, 160 and 170, reliable network designs require duplication of these physical interfaces.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a standard conversion of data between FR formatted user frames and ATM cells in a FR/ATM internetwork. FR end system 200 sends FR formatted user frames through FR-UNI 205 to FR/ATM gateway 210. FR/ATM gateway 210 converts the FR frames into ATM cells in a single Virtual Channel Connection (VCC) and switches the ATM cells for output over ATM network 220. The sequence is reversed as FR/ATM gateway 230 converts the ATM cells into FR formatted user frames. The received FR user frames are then switched for transmission over FR-UNI 235 to FR end system 240. Frames also are processed symmetrically from end system 240 to end system 200.
FR/ATM Gateways 210, 230 implement a standard FR/ATM Network Interworking protocol, such as, Scenario 1 as defined in ITU Recommendation 1.555, the ATM Forum B-ICI Specification Version 1.0, and the Frame Relay Forum Implementation Agreement FRF.5. Standard FR/ATM Network Interworking Scenario 1 user plane protocol stacks are provided along the bottom of FIG. 2 to illustrate the conversion of FR formatted frames between ATM cells.
FIG. 3 shows the operation of FR/ATM gateway 210 in performing the Interworking Function (IWF) to convert control, or status signaling frames to an ATM format. The protocol stacks 300 correspond to known Scenario I FR/ATM standards implementing the control plane of FR/ATM internetworking protocol. Such FR/ATM internetworking is described for example in the reference textbook by David E. McDysan et al., ATM: Theory and Application, (McGraw-Hill, Inc.: U.S.A.), 1995 (incorporated by reference in its entirety herein).
In the present invention, the Interworking function also maps FR status signals 310 to each of the ATM VCCs. Q.933 Annex A status signaling is mapped in a standard manner as summarized in the upper part 310 of FIG. 3. Implicit within the control plane interworking function of FIG. 3 is the demultiplexing of the Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) status indications of a single FR protocol stack 300 to multiple ATM VCC protocol stacks 305 in the FR-UNI to ATM VCC direction.
A status signaling message 310 identifies the status of each configured FR PVC using two bits Active (A), and New (N). The maximum number of FR DLCIs per link is (F-16)/5 for two octet FR headers, where F is the maximum frame size. For typical frame sizes the maximum number of Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) is between 500 and 1,000. Each ATM VCC may carry one or more DLCIs using the Frame Relay Service Specific Convergence Sublayer (FR-SSCS), which is essentially the frame relay header used within the ATM VCC to multiplex multiple connections along with the FR status signaling.
Similarly, status signals from multiple ATM VCCs 305 are multiplexed into a single status message on the FR-UNI 300.
As will be described in more detail below, in the present invention the above IWF processing for converting data from frames to ATM cells and for mapping FR status signaling is distributed between frame-relay and ATM-IWF modules (FR-IWF, ATM-IWF) depending upon whether the particular FR/ATM gateway uses a frame-based or cell-based switch.
FIG. 4 shows with more detail a resilient FR/ATM internetwork according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Multiple FR physical interfaces (FR-UNIs) 405 and ATM physical interfaces 460 are connected to opposite sides of FR/ATM gateway 410. Multiple FR physical interfaces (FR-UNIs) 435 and ATM physical interfaces 480 are connected to opposite sides of FR/ATM gateway 430. Each FR physical UNI in sets 405, 435 contains a number of logical Data Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs) for carrying frame relay formatted data between gateways 410 and 430.
FR/ATM gateway 410 further includes FR-IWF modules 411-413 coupled between respective FR-UNIs 405 and an internal frame switch 418. ATM-IWF modules 414, 415 are included in the FR/ATM gateway 410 between the frame switch 418 and respective ATM-UNIs 460. Similarly, FR/ATM gateway 430 further includes ATM-IWF modules 431, 432 coupled between respective ATM-UNIs 480 and an internal frame switch 438. FR-IWF modules 433-435 are included in the FR/ATM gateway 430 between the cell switch 438 and respective FR-UNIs 435.
In general, each FR/ATM gateway 410, 430 can use a frame-based or a cell-based switch. Interworking function (IWF) processing is distributed accordingly between the FR-IWF and ATM-IWF modules for converting between frame and cell data formats and mapping FR-ATM status signaling. The mapping of multiple Frame Relay DLCIs to a single Virtual Channel Connection (VCC) is called many-to-one multiplexing in the FR/ATM Network Interworking standards.
ATM physical interfaces 460, 480 are connected to self-healing ATM network 420 through respective ATM switch units 421, 423. In the event of a failure of an ATM UNI physical interface, an adversely effected ATM switch will automatically switch to an alternative, back-up ATM UNI physical interface. Hence, the pairs of physical ATM UNIs 461 and 462, and 481 and 482, operate as a resident FR-UNI as viewed from the FR/ATM gateways 410 and 430.
Protocols and systems for implementing such self-healing, for instance in response to a loss of an expected status, idle, or keep-alive signal, are well-known within a single homogenous network such as ATM. It is helpful to review several specific ATM switching scenarios responsive to different types of ATM UNI failure.
A. Example ATM Switching Scenarios in Event of ATM UNI Failures
The operation of a self-healing ATM network 520 is described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D. In particular, ATM switches 500 and 510 detect ATM-UNI failures and restore communication with no or minimal interruption of service. A dual-connected arrangement is shown for simplicity. Other interconnection arrangements are described below with respect to FIGS. 6 to 8. ATM switches 500, 510 are not shown in FIGS. 5B to 5D for clarity.
FIG. 5A illustrates the normal working state of the resilient ATM network interconnecting two FR/ATM gateway nodes. ATM switch 500 is dual-connected to ATM-UNIs 501 and 502 at node 1. ATM switch 510 is also dual-connected to ATM-UNI 503 and 504 at node 2. To make the drawing clear, only two virtual channel connections VCC (A, A′) and VCC (B, B′) are shown in each physical interface ATM-UNIs 501-504. Each VCC has a respective source (S) and destination (D) in accordance with the flow of ATM cells through the respective ATM-UNI 501-504 physical interface.
In the simple, balanced load operation shown in FIG. 5A, a source VCC A on Node 1, ATM-UNI 501 is connected to a destination VCC A′ on Node 2, ATM-UNI 503. A source VCC B′ on Node 2, ATM-UNI 504 is likewise connected to destination VCC B on Node 1, ATM-UNI 502.
In this example, restoration of the self-healing ATM network is described using switched virtual connections (SVCs). The operation of the invention is independent of the restoration method the self-healing network employs.
FIG. 5B illustrates the case of a single source ATM UNI 501 (carrying VCC A) failure at Node 1 of ATM-UNI 501. In step 1, ATM switch 500 detects the absence of signals, i.e. status signals, from VCC A on ATM-UNI 501 of Node 1. ATM switch 500 then releases the Switched Virtual Connection (SVC) with ATM-UNI 503, Node 2, VCC A′ in step 2. Finally, the ATM switch 500, initiates a new SVC between VCC A, ATM-UNI 502 and ATM-UNI 503, VCC A′ in step 3 to reestablish connectivity between nodes 1 and 2.
FIG. 5C illustrates the case of a single source VCC B′, ATM UNI 504, carrying failure on ATM-UNI 504 at Node 2. ATM switch 510 detects the failure (step 1) and causes the SVC to clear between ATM-UNI 502, VCC B at node 1 and ATM-UNI 504, VCC B′ at node 2 (step 2). The ATM switch 510 then restores full connectivity between nodes 1 and 2 by establishing a new SVC between ATM-UNI 502, VCC B and ATM-UNI 503, VCC B′.
Combinations of these scenarios can be recovered by ATM switches 500 and 510 in the dual failure case illustrated in FIG. 5D. ATM switch 500 performs the steps 1 to 3 for establishing a SVC 1 in the same manner as described in FIG. 5B. ATM switch 510 perforns the steps 1 to 3 for establishing a SVC 2 in the same manner described in FIG. 5C. Connections internal to self-healing network 520 may be recovered internally to the network according to known techniques.
B. Interconnection ofFR/ATM Gateway toA TMNetwork Switches
As described with respect to FIG. 4, ATM physical interfaces 460, 480 are connected to self-healing ATM network 420 through respective ATM switch units 421, 423. Each ATM switch unit 421, 423 can be configured for example in a dual-connection or dual homed arrangement. FIG. 6A shows an example of a FR/ATM Gateway 610 connected to the ATM network in a dual-connection configuration wherein diverse physical ATM UNIs 621, 622 are both connected to a single ATM switch 630.
Alternatively, in a dual-homed arrangement shown in FIG. 6B, two diverse ATM switches 631, 632 are connected to respective diverse physical interfaces ATM UNIs 621, 622. In commercial applications, dual homing arrangements are often preferred for security and reliability reasons. Each ATM switch can then be located in diverse physical locations, that is in nodes at different buildings. In this way, power outages or plant problems in one location will not disrupt internetwork communication entirely.
C. Dual Homed Configuration ATM-UNI Fault Detection Mechanism
The actions performed by the FR/ATM gateway are independent of the attachment to the ATM network. The ATM network operates differently depending upon the type of interconnection to a FR/ATM gateway. The ATM network protocol is simplest for a single dual-connection switch. When an FR/ATM gateway is connected to a single ATM switch the state of each dual-connected physical ATM UNI interface is known. Thus, a dual-connection of ATM-UNI physical interfaces 621, 622 to a common ATM switch 630, as described in FIG. 6A, is relatively simple to implement.
Dual-homed and other arrangements require communication between diverse ATM switches 731, 732. When the FR/ATM gateway 710 is dual homed to two ATM switches, the alternate source can periodically retry to reach its destination. Alternatively, as shown for example in FIG. 7, a VCC C, D can be sent through a physical interface 723 between the dual homed ATM switches 731, 732 to detect a remote interface failure in either physical interface 721, 722.
A further option is that the FR/ATM gateway 710 actually participates in the fault detection and signaling. Any of these fault detection and signaling methods achieve the resilient NNI function.
D. Usage of Diverse ATM PVCs to Provide Resilient NNI
In FIG. 5, the ATM self-healing network 520 uses Switched Virtual Connections to restore connectivity. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the same function can be implemented using twice as much capacity with diversely routed ATM PVCs 801, 802. The operation of a FR/ATM gateway is slightly more complex in the case of ATM PVCs because a lack of status signaling must result in a timeout, and consequent switchover to the alternate PVCNVCC. Another disadvantage of a PVC solution is that two failures in the ATM network will cause one or more pairs of FR/ATM gateways to become disconnected.
The above discussion of FIGS. 5 to 8 describe general examples illustrating ATM switching and recovery. Protocols and systems for implementing such self-healing, for instance in response to a loss of an expected status, idle, or keep-alive signal, are well-known within a single homogenous network such as ATM. According to the present invention, however, resiliency is achieved in a NNI between FR networks interconnected to a self-healing network. For example, in the present invention, FR/ATM gateway 410 interacts with a corresponding ATM switch 421 through a simple set of protocols to achieve end-to-end resiliency between FR systems.
The present invention then takes advantage of the automatic self-healing of ATM switches in the ATM network as described above, by including interworking processing at each FR/ATM gateway in a NNI for detecting changes between the transmit physical interface and the received physical interface for each logical connection trunk. In this way, each FR/ATM gateway, in response to status signaling messages, can switch rapidly and accurately between a primary ATM UNI physical interface and at least one back-up ATM-UNI physical interface. A resilient end-to-end frame relay system is realized which overcomes single-point failures, and even some dual failures in the interconnection network.
The detailed operation of a FR/ATM gateway in a resilient NNI according to the present invention, is described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. As shown in FIG. 9, FR/ATM gateway 910 has multiple physical interfaces on a frame relay side (FR-UNIs 905) and multiple physical interfaces on the ATM side (ATM-UNIs 960). Frame Relay-Interworking Function (FR-IWF) modules 920, 925 couple data between respective FR-UNIs 905 and a switch 940. ATM-Interworking Function (ATM-IWF) modules 930, 935 couple data between respective ATM-UNIs 960 and the switch 940.
Each FR UNI 905 receives a serial data signal consisting of one or more logical Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) channels and a FR status signaling channel. These logical DLCIs are shown as separate pairs of arrows in the FR UNIs 905. These DLCIs are physically realized as addresses in headers of the frames passed serially on the physical FR UNI, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
The FR UNIs can be viewed as being controlled by a FR Inter-Working Function (IWF). Each ATM UNI contains multiple VCCs, for instance, a pair of VCCs can be used as described earlier. Each VCC carries one or more DLCIs and a FR status signaling channel according to the standard FR/ATM Network Interworking protocol. In ATM, a VCC is identified by Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI) and Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) cell header fields. The VCI field is used to switch virtual channels. The VPI field is used to switch virtual paths, that is, groups of virtual channels. The data is switched between the FR IWF and ATM IWF blocks using either a frame or cell based switch 940.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example FR-IWF module 920 (or 925). In particular, FR-IWF module 920 includes a data bus 1015 interconnecting a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART 1010) that connects to a FR UNI 905, a processor 1020, a Resilient NNI module 1025, memory 1030, and a FR/ATM adapter 1040. Memory 1030 includes storage for T/R FR UNI table 1035.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example ATM-IWF module 930 (or 935). In particular, ATM-IWF module 930 includes a data bus 1115 interconnecting ATM Cell Receiver/Transmitters 1110 and 1140, a processor 1120, Rx-ATM PHY Transmission Module 1125, and memory 1130. Memory 1135 includes storage for a T/R ATM UNI table 1135.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are configured for an ATM cell-based switch 940. Accordingly, a FR/ATM adapter 1040, or in other words, a Segmentation and Reassembly (SAR) module unit, is included in each FR-IWF on the frame relay side of switch 940 to convert the data from frame relay packets to ATM cells. Switch 940 then routes the output ATM cells according to known switching methods through the proper ATM-IWF modules 930, 935 and ATM-UNIs 960. Any type of SAR architecture can be used. See, for example, the store-and-forward and direct-transfer architectures discussed by Bry, C., "Low-Cost Cards Can Help ATM Happen," Electronic Engineering Times, Sep. 18, 1995, page 60 (incorporated by reference herein).
As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, switch 940 can also be frame-based. In such a case, FR-IWFs 920, 925 would route data in a frame relay format to switch 940. Conversion of the data from FR format to ATM cells (i.e. SAR) would be conducted in the ATM-IWF modules 930, 935 prior to sending the data in ATM cells over ATM-UNIs 960. FR status signaling messages would likewise be used between the FR-IWF and ATM-IWF modules.
The operation of a resilient FR/ATM gateway in a NNI according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In particular, the response of FR-IWF and ATM-IWF modules to an ATM-UNI failure will be described.
A. Frame Relay InterWorking Function (FR-IWF)
The operation of an FR-IWF module 920 is described with reference to FIG. 12. In particular, FIG. 12 shows the serial flow of data and status signaling from a particular FR UNI input, Rx FR-UNI, through FR-IWF 920 to a cell-switch 940. UART 1010 receives user data frames 1201 from Rx FR UNI. The user data frames 1201 include a header indicating the particular FR DLCI followed by user data information field I.
Processor 1020 (and/or FR/Adapter 1040) uses the received FR-DLCI to index a row in Table 1035 having corresponding Tx ATM PHY, ATM VCC and ATM DLCI information. FR/ATM adapter 1040 segments and reassembles (SAR) the data from a frame to cell format. The Tx ATM PHY, ATM VCC and ATM DLCI information is used as a prefix for the data I in the ATM cells 1202 output from FR/ATM adapter 1040 to the cell-switch 940.
FR status signaling messages FR-STAT 1203 are also received serially by UART 1010 through the Rx FR-UNI. According to standards, one FR-DLCI (i.e. "channel") is reserved for FR-status signaling. For example, the FR status signaling messages 1203 can occupy a FR-DLCI 0.
The function of the FR status signaling messages 1203 is to indicate which FR-DLCIs are active. An active FR-DLCI is identified by an active bit indication (A) which trails each FR-DCLI in the FR status signaling message. For example, if FR-DLCIs 1 and 12 are active, a serial FR-status message would consist of the FR-DLCIs 1 and 12, each followed by an active bit A indication "1". A new bit N is included for indicating a newly-added FR-DLCI, however, this bit is not necessarily used to effect a resilient NNI in the present invention. Finally, processor 1020 reads the FR-status signaling messages 1203 received by UART 1010 and records the status (FR-STAT) of each active FR-DLCI in Table 1035.
Periodically, all FR-STAT, ATM DLCI status indications for a single Tx ATM PHY, ATM VCC are collected in an ATM-STAT status message 1204 sent to the ATM UNI identified by the Tx ATM PHY field. ATM-STAT message 1204 is then sent through FR/ATM adapter 1040 via the switch 940 to either the ATM-IWF modules 930, 935 as indicated by the Tx ATM PHY field according to the standard protocol shown in FIG. 3.
Considering the reverse flow of data, FR-ATM adapter 1040 also converts user data I received as one or more cells 1205 from the switch 940 into one or more frames 1206. Frames 1206 are sent over the FR-UNI physical interface identified by the FR-UNI PHY field included with cells 1205. The received ATM VCC and ATM DLCI fields in cells 1205 are used by processor 1020 to index a row in the Table 1035. Processor 1020 (and/or FR/ATM adapter 1040) identifies the FR-DLCI corresponding to the received ATM VCC and ATM DLCI values based on the Table 1035. The FR-DLCI and corresponding received user data I are then sent in frames (1206) by UART 1010 over a Tx-FR UNI.
An ATM status-signaling message 1207 is received periodically from an ATM-IWF module through switch 940. The ATM-STAT status signaling message 1207 flags active ATM logical connections by transmitting an active bit "1" after ATM VCC and ATM DLCI fields which identify the active logical connection. An FR-UNI PHY field is included to identify a specific Tx FR-UNI physical interface for returning the user information data I through UART 1010 to an FR-end system once it has been converted by FR/ATM Adapter 1040 from cells to frames.
Periodically, processor 1020 collects the ATM-STAT entries for each FR UNI PHY and transmits these as Q.933 Annex A FR status messages 1208 over the FR UNI to the FR end system.
According to the present invention, the ATM-STAT signaling message 1207 further includes a Rx ATM PHY field for identifying the ATM UNI physical interface in the set of ATM UNIs 960 through which the data was received from the self-healing network. Processor 1020 stores the Rx ATM PHY value in Table 1035 in a row based on the received ATM VCC and ATM DLCI information in the ATM-STAT message 1207.
Processor 1020 further includes a Resilient NNI Module 1025 for comparing the Rx ATM PHY values and Tx ATM PHY values in RIT ATM Table 1035 to determine whether the values differ. Examining the ATM recovery scenarios discussed earlier with respect to FIG. 5, the Rx ATM PHY value differs from the Tx ATM PHY value only when the self-healing ATM network has automatically recovered from a UNI failure. As a result, when the Rx ATM PHY is found to differ from the Tx ATM PHY, then the Resilient NNI module 1025 updates the Tx ATM PHY to equal the received Rx ATM PHY. In this way, data communication from the FR/ATM gateway is transmitted through the ATM physical interface used most recently by the self-healing network. More generally, the Tx ATM PHY can be updated to another ATM physical interface such as a preconfigured back-up trunk if switching to another interface is desired. The destination gateway would then switch over to this interface employing the previously described protocol.
B. ATM Inter Working Function (ATM-IWF)
The operation of the ATM IWF 930 is described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13. In particular, FIG. 13 shows the serial flow of data and status signaling through ATM-IWF 930. ATM cells 1301, which include Tx ATM PHY, ATM VCC, ATM DLCI, and user data I as described earlier, are received from cell switch 940 by ATM cell receiver/transmitter 1110. Processor 1120 (and/or ATM R/T 1110) stores the ATM VCC and ATM-DLCI header information in a row of Table 1135. ATM R/T 1140 forwards ATM cells 1302, consisting of the ATM VCC and ATM DLCI header information and data I, to a particular transmit ATM UNI physical interface, Tx ATM UNI, as identified by the Tx ATM PHY field.
Unnultiplexed FR status signaling messages FR-STAT 1303 are also received serially by ATM R/T 1110 from the switch 940. FR-STAT 1303 indicates which FR logical connection is active. In particular, FR-STAT 1303 includes a stream of Tx ATM PHY, ATM VCC, and ATM DLCI information for identifying a specific active FR logical connection mapped to an ATM VCC followed by an active bit which is set to "1." Periodically, the FR-STAT is collected for all ATM-DLCIs on a single ATM VCC and transmitted in a FR-STAT message 1304 according to the Q.933 Annex A protocol. Note Tandem-ATM UNI and Tandem ATM VCC fields are included in Table 1135 for identifying a paired tandem node in hierachial networks.
Considering the reverse flow of data, ATM cells 1305 are received by ATM R/T 1140 from the self-healing network through a receive ATM UNI physical interface, Rx ATM UNI. Processor 1120 (and/or ATM RIT 1110) looks up the FR-UNI PHY value corresponding to the ATM-VCC and ATM DLCI information in the Table 1135. The FR-UNI PHY value identifying the FR physical interface (i.e. port) is packaged with other cell information (ATM VCC, ATM DLCI, and data I), and sent as cells 1306 from ATM R/T 1110 to cell switch 940.
An ATM status signaling message 1307 corresponding, for example, to a standard Q.933 Annex A status message, is also received periodically. Processor 1120 demultiplexes ATM-STAT 1307 into the row indicated by ATM VCC and the ATM-DLCI indicated in the status message. Periodically, the status 1308 for all DLCIs destined for a particular FR UNI is collected and sent to the FR UNI indicated by the FR UNI PHY field. Thus, the ATM-STAT 1308 includes FR-UNI PHY, ATM VCC, ATM DLCI information and an active bit set to that set by the other gateway.
1. Tx/Rx ATM-PHY/UNI Switching Module
According to the present invention, a Tx/Rx ATM-PHY/UNI Switching module 1125 is added to communicate which ATM UNI physical interface, Rx ATM PHY, received cell data from the self-healing network. In particular, switching module 1125 issues a Rx-ATM PHY field value identifying the received Rx ATM UNI which is incorporated in the ATM status signaling ATM-STAT 1308. Because the Rx-ATM UNIs are connected in a one-to-one correspondence with each ATM-IWF module, each ATM-IWF module can issue a dedicated Rx ATM PHY field for identifying the Rx ATM UNI.
The switching module 1125 can be included, for example, in processor 1120 as shown, or alternatively as a separate unit or within ATM R/T 1110. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the relatively simple communication of the received ATM physical interface, Rx ATM-PHY, in the ATM-status 1308 per VCC is the only additional information beyond the standard FR/ATM network interworking protocol required to implement the resilient NNI function within the ATM-IWF 930.
The inventor has discovered a FR/ATM gateway which achieves a resilient NNI in conjunction with failure recovery in a self-healing ATM network, for example, one employing SVCs. Because switching occurs in the gateway, based upon a Rx-ATM-PHY field value generated for each ATM-UNI, this invention extends to more than two ATM-UNIs on a FR/ATM gateway, allowing larger networks to be constructed.
In the case of diversely routed ATM PVCs , as shown in FIG. 8, each FR IWF 920 must detect the absence of status messages and try the alternate ATM PHY for the same VCC. The disadvantages of this method are that twice as much VCC bandwidth must be reserved in the ATM network, and the additional complexity of the status message loss detection and retransmission logic.
This basic protocol for establishing a resilient NNI, as described above, applies to a full-mesh network of four FR-ATM gateways 1400 as illustrated in FIG. 14. For A=2 ATM UNIs per FR/ATM gateway for a network of N gateways, each UNI must have N(N-1) VCCs. Practically, this limits a network to a size on the order of N=100 nodes.
Increasing the number of ATM UNIs to A, on the gateways requires A*N*(N-1)/2/(A-1) VCCs per UNI. This increases the network size, but consumes gateway capacity for the ATM UNIs. As a larger number of DLCIs is required between FR/ATM gateways, multiple parallel VCCs can be defined. If the number of DLCIs is much less than that supported by the FR status message, then the DLCIs can be arranged in blocks to achieve forwarding across ATM VCCs to a destination cluster in a hierarchical manner. Assignment of VCCs to ATM UNIs, and ATM-VCCs plus ATM-DLCIs to tandem switching interfaces on FR/ATM gateways effectively define virtual trunks. Therefore, the optimal hierarchy is naturally defined by the offered traffic.
Further, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art given this description, the following three levels of hierarchy are supported within this scheme, determined by the prefix of the encapsulated cell and status signaling: (1) ATM−VCC+ATM−DLCI, (2) ATM VCC, and (3) ATM Virtual Path Connection (VPC).
By allocating certain ATM-VCCs and ATM-DLCIs to a tandem switching function, hierarchical interconnected networks such as those illustrated in FIG. 15 can be constructed. Five fully-meshed four-node clusters 1500-1540 are interconnected through tandem node pairs. Each four-node cluster has detailed fully meshed VCC connectivity as described previously with respect to the network 1400 in FIG. 14. Accordingly, the boxes represent FR/ATM gateways, and the connecting dashed lines represent ATM VCCs. The tandem node pairs interconnect the four-node clusters 1500-1540 through three separate VCCs.
For each ATM-IWF in a FR/ATM gateway, Tandem ATM-UNI and Tandem ATM VCC is stored in the Table 1135. When a cell is received from an ATM UNI, the received ATM-VCC is used to index a table entry which has a Tandem ATM-UNI and Tandem ATM VCC that is connected to another hierarchical FR/ATM gateway. Multiplexing of FR status signaling information is done in the manner previously described.
Blocks of ATM DLCIs can be assigned within ATM-VCCs to destination clusters at the lower level in the hierarchy. Alternatively, the Tandem ATM DLCI field may be employed at the entry and exit switches at the next higher level in the hierarchy. These values may be arbitrarily chosen, for example according to a SVC protocol. The cells corresponding to a frame are switched at the ATM VCC level out another ATM UNI across the next level up in the hierarchy to a switch adjacent to the destination next lower level of the hierarchy. In the example shown in FIG. 15, this means that 3 VCCs are connected from each level 2 cluster to each level 1 cluster node. Here the receive VCC is translated to a destination ATM UNI and ATM-VCC which is connected to the destination FR/ATM Gateway. In this way much larger, stable, hierarchical networks can be constructed.
This invention also applies to the interconnection 1600 of Frame Relay networks which may use a proprietary routing protocol internally as illustrated in FIG. 16. The FR/ATM Network Interworking switching is done only between edges of the networks. If the connection is made by dedicated circuits between the networks, then the switching based upon interface failure detection can be done as described for the case of ATM PVCs, or by the gateways participating in ATM signaling directly between themselves.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
Frame Relay
Asynchronous Transfer Mode
Virtual Channel Connection
User-Network Interface
Network-Network Interface
Data Link Connection Identifier
Interworking Function
Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
System Network Architecture
Frame Relay Service Specific Convergence Sublayer
Permanent Virtual Circuits
Switched Virtual Connection
Virtual Path Connection
Physical Interface
Virtual Channel Identifier
Virtual Path Identifier
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Effective date: 20050501

subset: commoncrawl


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What do creditors need to know about litigation in state court and bankruptcy court?
Can I collect my judgment if the other side is appealing?
Bill on Bankruptcy: LightSquared, the Battle among Hedge Funds
Can You Appeal A Bankruptcy?
Bill on Bankruptcy: Make-Whole Premiums, Lehman, ResCap
Bill on Bankruptcy: Versace Mansion Up for Sale, Casey Anthony
It's a common occurrence – a mortgagor or grantor signs the security instrument a day or two in advance of the loan, or perhaps a note is re-signed a couple of days after closing to correct an error in the original note....more
Sperry Assoc. Fed. Credit Union v. US Bank Nat'l Ass'n (In re White), 514 B.R. 365 (Bankr. E.D.N.Y. 2014) –
A junior mortgagee sought to subordinate the senior mortgage loan based on an argument that modification of...more
1. Because he is my friend, he offered to settle and pay me outside of the bankruptcy and he agreed to not include my debt in the bankruptcy case. Can I do this?
No. Once a bankruptcy case is filed an automatic stay...more
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OSHA: Penn Hills company exposed its workers to lead
A Penn Hills company removing lead-based paint from the façade of a Downtown building exposed its workers to the lead, a federal agency said on Thursday.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited N.E.J. Abatement Group Inc. for six lead hazard violations, according to an investigation that started in April based on a health department referral.
Kenneth DeHonney, president and owner of the company, said the violations were unintentional.
"It was an unfortunate occurrence, an isolated incident that has since been corrected," he said.
An Allegheny County Health Department spokesman could not be reached for comment.
The company was removing paint from a four-story building that runs from 418 to 422 Wood St., said Labor Department spokeswoman Leni Fortson.
Christopher Robinson, director of the OSHA Pittsburgh office, said lead exposure can result in a wide range of debilitating medical conditions.
"The most effective way to minimize worker exposure is through engineering controls, best safety practices, training, and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment such as respirators where required," he said.
The company failed to medically test workers before the job started and monitor them medically during the work, OSHA said. The company also failed to take initial lead samples and allowed lead levels to get above allowed limits, the agency added.
The company also failed to have adequate respirators, warning signs, shower facilities as well as engineering and administrative controls to limit exposure, OSHA said.
OSHA has proposed $16,800 in penalties for the violations.
Brian Bowling is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-325-4301 or email@example.com.
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BeneFit Cosmetics High Beam
1394 reviews
72% would repurchase
Package Quality: 3.5
Price: $$$
Package Quality: 3.5
Price: $$$
INGREDIENTSWater, Propylane Glycol, Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Oil, Mica, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Lanolate, Stearic Acid, Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba (Buxus Chinensis) Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Corn (Zea Mays) Starch, Triethanolamine, Talc, Oleth-20, Iron Oxides, Lanolin Wax, Simethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Cellulose Gum, Methylparaben Diazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, BHA.
on 3/26/2005 1:22:00 AM
Age: 36-43
Skin: Normal, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Brunette, Other, Other
Eyes: Hazel
If you didn't know what this bottle held in it, you would think that this is a pearly pink nailpolish. I was fooled at first too! This pearly pale pink concoction is supposed to highlight your face and is much touted by Elle and other mags as being a top model staple. I beg to differ however, it is not shimmery, but pearly as is the Moonbeam which I feel is far superior to this. The reason I say that is because I feel that the High Beam is way too subtle to show up. I am very fair skinned and have been naturally gifted with high cheekbones, which I thought could be better accentuated with this. Even putting this on before any makeup, it didn't show up at all. I like the cute bottle and concept, but would not venture to buy this again, the Hollywood Glo and Moonbeam outshine this ten to one in my book!
on 3/24/2005 3:07:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Black, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
I like the concept of this, I've used about 1/4 of my bottle. I find it to be just a smidge too frosty. A little less frost, a little more pink should do the trick. I have tried this with combining it with a tint and gives a reaaly good effect. It's worth a try
on 3/22/2005 6:06:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Normal, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
A must for anyone, dont think you need to say anything more ;o)
on 3/15/2005 12:07:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Brown, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
This is my all time HG product. It gives me that perfect glow. I put it on my cheekbones. I get compliments all the time, but I hesitate to tell people what it is. I don't want anyone to know my secret. The only thing is I absolutely hate the packaging. It seems like it leaks out and my product is wasted. For what I paid, I can't afford to waste any of it!
on 3/11/2005 11:59:00 PM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral
Hair: Brown, Straight, Other
Eyes: Brown
One of my few lasting HG items. The kind where I hope nobody figures out my secret...
on 3/5/2005 11:26:00 PM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Black, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
i adore this, it gives me such a dewey, glowing look. at first I thought the product might not match my skintone, but when I applied it, I found it to be very sheer and lightweight. love love love :D
on 2/26/2005 2:41:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
High Beam is deffinitely my must-have product. I use it everyday, even when I'm not wearing other makeup. It gives my fair complexion an amazing, gorgeous glow, like Gwyneth Paltrow. I had tried Moon Beam previously, but it didn't really show up on my skin. If you're fair, then HIgh Beam is for you.
on 2/20/2005 1:38:00 AM
Age: 44-55
Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Brown, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
This is great with benetint. Use a blush brush to blend, once you put it on your cheek with the nailpolish applicator. I put one streak of benetint, one streak of high beam and then blend them with the brush. It's a great shimmery, healthy look overall. Nothing else lasts this long!
on 2/18/2005 5:11:00 PM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Acne-prone, Other, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
I have been using this for years, and it is my absolute must-have. I use it on my cheekbones, but always have to reapply a bit of my cream blush afterwards because it tends to neutralize the color. Honestly, I do not leave my house without this on.
on 2/12/2005 3:06:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm
Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse
Eyes: Brown
MUST HAVE!! its the greatest highlighter. it creates that sex-kitten dewy look that i love. i use it everyday on the eyebrow bond, bridge of nose and tops of the cheek apples for a dewy look. it just looks flattering without looking greasy, but u do have to apply lightly! i bought one that lasted me a year, its expensive but a little goes a long way AND you get ALOT of product. love it love it love it. for those on the budget, i also tried neutrogena eye/cheek/lip shimmer in mesmerized, a very great alternative for the babe on the budget.
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text:
YMMV: Kate and Leopold
- Critical Research Failure: Not only does Leopold get the plot of The Pirates of Penzance wrong, the opera debuted three years after he traveled to the present, so he never could have seen it in the first place.
- Also, Leopold is not in fact the inventor of the elevator.
- Values Dissonance: Leopold's belief that he cannot marry a woman without loving her is possibly anachronistic, and some level of progressive if not.


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View 114: Sold Out
I attended the Syracuse University Orange Men's Big East Basketball game on Saturday night along with 34,615 other, mostly Syracuse, fans. The Orange went on to a 95-77 victory over the rival Villanova Wildcats from Philadelphia. SU called this a … Continue reading
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sf/f TV development news - 2013
View Single Post
October 9 2012, 09:28 PM
Location: Staten Island, NY
Re: sf/f TV development news - 2012
Greg Cox wrote:
Kegg wrote:
But those multitudes don't see eye to eye. Not
fans of Gene Roddenberry are fans of Joss Whedon (who as far as vampire TV goes seems to have more Trek fans than any other vampire TV show guy).
True. People have different tastes and not everybody's an omnivore where sf/fantasy/horror is concerned. I was just objecting to the weird sort of hostility some sf-only fans seem to have toward vampires as such . . . as though they think that the supernatural stuff is somehow
taking the place
of their beloved space operas, and that sf somehow
to be on TV more than horror.
I mean, does anybody
think that if VAMPIRIE DIARIES or TRUE BLOOD hadn't been greenlighted, HBO or the CW would be airing space operas instead? Or is it more likely that cop shows and reality shows are taking up more time slots than the occassional tv spook show?
Look, I feel your pain. I wouldn't mind another FARSCAPE or FIREFLY either. But it almost seems like some fans are blaming the poor vamps and werewolves for the lack of "proper" sf, so that every time some new supernatural soap opera gets announced, the response around here always seems to be: "Damnit, creepies don't belong on TV, spaceships do!"
Can't we all just get along?
I think horror belongs with fantasy and sci-fi should be seperate at least on tv, just like I don't want to hear jazz or hip hop interspersed with classical music on the radio.
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Share this post Nutrition in Pregnancy My name is Amanda and I am going to take you on a tour of nutrition in pregnancy and how they can have a positive influence on your bodies and babies! What a wonderful
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The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The ICAP Art Room Opening At Northolt High School
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the opening of the ICAP Art... News PhotoArts Culture and Entertainment,Attending,Bestof,British Royalty,Catherine - Duchess of Cambridge,Dress,Duchess,Ealing,England,Form Fitted,Form Fitted Dress,Human Interest,L.K. Bennett,Opening Event,Royalty,Topics,Topix,UK,VerticalPhotographer Mark CuthbertCollection: UK Press 2014 Mark CuthbertEALING, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the opening of the ICAP Art Room at Northolt High School on February 14, 2014 in Ealing, England. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)


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All updates featuring Custom SteelBound Ankle Cuffs
'What are these for?', new girl Dani asked, fingering a pair of dangling cuffs. We told her it would be a surprise, revealed after her wrists and ankles would be chained to the metal frame. Locked in heavy metal cuffs on her neck, wrists, and ankles, as well as a tight chastity belt, Dani didn't feel at ease. She doesn't really like surprises. When we cuffed her boobs very tightly, all she would say is 'let me out!'. So after a while, we let her out. Her wrists and ankles that is… but we (kind of) forgot to take of the boob cuffs. Interesting!!
Uh oh, we have pissed off Yvette Costeau again! Her chastity belt is super tight, she is locked in RigidStocks, and we have padlocked her ankles together. And we had to gag her as well, because last time she was swearing and cursing so much!! She is furious!! We better toss her the keys and get out of the way before we get hit by these metal stocks! Yvette will try everything she can to escape, she will even try to break the stocks! She is a very powerful girl, but don't worry: these stocks are sturdy enough to hold her. She is mad! We are afraid to approach her, so she will have to stay like this until she cools down!
Chloe joins MetalBondage.com! We definitely have the prettiest girls in bondage, just look at this tiny gorgeous girl! Chloe has to be one of the prettiest faces we have ever locked in a chastity belt! And the heavy steel cuffs and collar looks huge on her, that's how small she is! She is not scared by all this weight though, she curiously approached the metal pole that we set up for her. She really did not know what was going to happen. When her ankles and neck got locked to this post, she was still having fun, but the strappado position… that wasn't so easy for poor Chloe. Oh well, let's just enjoy watching her deal with it!
What if we put the Lady Roswell Ivory in some metal, chained to a frame by her ankles and harness gag? She needs her hands to support herself and her wrists are locked together. Still, Roswell is able to do some creative posing, even managing a planking position, which is quite a good workout! We are not sure if she is completely secure, this pose may need some changes! Members, please let us know how you would change this to make it even more interesting!! In the meantime, enjoy a naked Lady!!
While I had the incredible Cobie from Australia locked in a NeoSteel chastity belt for 13 days, I figured: why not shoot her for MetalBondage too? I mean, she was already locked in metal and she was staying at my place anyway! Cobie is exceptional: she is famous for her ability to withstand extreme elbow bondage, so (at her own request) I took things a step further than ever: this is the most extreme metal elbow bondage ever done on this site! Instead of a padlock, her elbow cuffs were bolted together, which made them rigid with a minimal distance between them. Cobie's wrists and ankles were locked to her belt, she was really suffering, it was so tight! Yes… she loved it!
A new installment in our FEATURE series! The lovely Ariel Anderssen is an accomplished ballet dancer (as well as a very kinky bondage model), and she has done many ballet shoots. We asked her to come over in her ballet outfit and perform a little dance for us. "I don't think I can do any full splits today", Ariel said before we started. Well, don't worry about that… we will help you a little! Ariel woke up in heavy chains, collared, and waist belted, with her arms high above her head. Her long legs are pulled all the way into a very extreme full split and chained to the wall. Good exercise Ariel, just stay there for a while, that will stretch those muscles!
Welcome to a brand new series on MetalBondage.com! We will be doing some requests for fantasy abductions, starring some of our best models in their actual professions, being suddenly put in a heavy metal bondage situation. French model Lily has always been one of our top models, thanks to her unmatched flexibility. Lily is a professional gymnast, so the possiblities are endless! What if her quiet serene gymnast routine was suddenly changed into a horror scenario where she would find herself chained to a wall in an extreme leg split? Her feet aren't even touching the floor! Lily may be forced to hold this ultra stretching position for a long time! Can she do it? Poor gymnast girl! Well, it's her own fault for being this flexible.
Cindy Dollar is back! She is so much fun, her reaction to being locked in a tight chastity belt again was very silly and relaxed! She also loved the tight collar! And her elbow cuffs… until we padlocked those together behind her back, that was a little extreme! But Cindy is so flexible and determined. We used spreaders to keep her wrists and ankles apart and threw all the tools and keys on the floor. Plenty to choose from if she wanted to attempt an escape! We all know that's impossible, but you have to admire Cindy for trying!
We love to test Ariel Anderssen! This tall blonde bondage diva can handle a lot and she likes to come over to try new and exciting metal bondage positions! Of course, she knows she will be locked in a chastity belt whenever she is visiting (and not just for the duration of the shoot), but we suspect she secretly loves that as well! This week, we suspend her reverse prayer to the ceiling! This is a very tough position, even for Ariel Anderssen! To prevent her from standing up, her ankles are locked together! It is a real predicament, because she is getting more and more tired, and she wants to bend down, but that will pull her wrists up even more. Don't you just love to watch a little suffering?
Little Caprice! Who doesn't know her :) She is back, all naked except for a heavy collar and wrist cuffs, and she is looking at the metal pipe construction we built for her! It looks scary, and Little Caprice isn't too sure if she wants to do this… But she has to! She is told to mount the horizontal pipe that makes her stand on her toes. We quickly lock her ankles in place, and attach her wrist cuffs high above her head. Little Caprice is now unable to escape this metal frame, forced to stay on her toes!. Watch her struggle as her legs start trembling and she has to rest her pussy on the cold metal bar.
The incredible Honeyhair returns! This famous fetish model has a certain doll-like look, which makes us want to put her in a really immobilizing postion, like a doll would be packaged! We have done frames before to lock a model's wrists and ankles in place, but what about the neck? We found the perfect solution by using our custom built stocks to rigidly restrain the gorgeous Honeyhair in place. She couldn't move an inch! She started to protest a little so we had to gag her. This is a statue everyone would like to have at home! Especially if the keys to her chastity belt are included!
When we introduced our new Rigid Box Tie Device, Yu was not locked in a chastity belt. So a lot of people started wondering if a chastity belt could be worn in combination with this device. The answer is: yes! Of course! Especially when we have a model like the bondage loving Elise Graves, who wanted as much metal locked onto her body as possible! She wants to struggle, feel the unforgiving metal, she wants to be made completely helpless! So we gagged her, and chained her legs to her waist so she couldn't stand up. A lot of locks were needed for this gear, and we just threw all of the keys on the floor so Elise could struggle and try to escape! This is one of the best struggles you have ever seen in metal bondage, for sure!
See, here at MetalBondage.com we don't care where you are from or who you are! We just want to lock you in tight metal bondage (and preferably a chastity belt). Even famous UK page 3 girl Emma Green gets the same treatment as anyone else. She is locked to a frame, to give her a great posture, in a chastity belt, and heavy restraints. But with her big natural boobs out like this, we couldn't resist nipple clamping her. With clover clamps of course, the worst possible kind. Emma tries to pull them off, but that doesn't work with these clamps. Watch the video to see how tight these clamps were on her nipples, she was sweating!
Containing the super fit Sarah Jain is not easy! This toned US model is one of the most powerful strugglers around! Funny though, how it is very easy to get Sarah Jain into a bondage contraption. Just lock some heavy restraints onto her, show her the frame, all in good fun… Then lock her neck and waist to the frame… still fun… Then padlock her arms in an awkward position and chain her legs to the frame… not funny anymore! Sarah can not hold the weight of the tilting frame with her neck and waist alone, so she is forced to bend over the middle bar. Struggling with all her might, she tries to lift the heavy contraption back upright, but she is fighting a losing battle! Nice :)
People ask me: 'why does Tegan get the harsh treatment on your website?'. True, she has been in the extreme Posture Fiddle, chained with heavy shackles, and nipple clamped. Plus she never got her first shoot without a chastity belt. It's because she is just so much into bondage! This cute blonde angel is a true sub and she likes hard bondage!
This time, a belted and collared Tegan encounters a strange pole with two heavy chains hanging off it. She wonders what might be in store for her this time! I tell her to put the ankle cuffs on and lie down with the pole between her legs. She is then hogcuffed to the pole, and there's no way she can get out! Her awesome boobs are hanging over the edge of the platform, and she starts begging and sobbing after a few minutes already. Don't fall for it, she loves this stuff! My gorgeous bondage angel Tegan! Can't get enough of her!
Yvette Costeau likes to call herself 'Yvette Extreme'. Well, let's test her a little to see if she can live up to this title! One of the toughest bondage girls in German, Yvette is used to being contorted in all kinds of rope bondage positions. But metal is different. It is unforgiving, and heavy. We built our favorite hogtie frame again and chained Yvette to it. Ankles, wrists, elbows, and her head. The heavy collar is a real challenge, because it is a bit too tall and heavy for her head to be tilted back by the suspended harness gag. This is the perfect storage device for 'extreme girls'. Let her struggle and drool (a lot!!) for a while. She will get tired eventually.
Aw, it is Mea's first time in bondage! And fair is fair: the rule is that models don't HAVE to wear a chastity belt on their first time. So instead, we just locked over 10 kilos of stainless steel onto poor Mea. She couldn't even sit up for very long. The weight was wearing her out so much that she had to lie down after only half an hour. Perfect slave training, a little endurance bondage! Mea got a bit frustrated, but she desperately needs money. So she will be back, and you know what is going to happen then!! ;)
Heavy breathing in heavy metal gear. Poor Birdy Dee has lots and lots of unforgiving metal locked onto her. It is a predicament in itself, as time goes by she is struggling more and more against the weight of her restraints. The heavy chastity belt is cinching her waist super tight, and her wrists cuffs are locked to the sides of the waist belt. She can not lie down, because the Sleepless Collar prevents her head from touching the floor. She can not stand up, because her ankles are padlocked together. Birdy is getting so out of breath, we finally decide to give her the keys to the wrist padlocks. Even more evil, because after a long struggle to unlock herself, she still can not get any rest with the belt and collar still locked on! Birdy was totally spent after this ordeal, she is such a tough girl!
We trained Amanda to do everything you see in this update, and she loves to play our little metal bondage puppy! Her huge steel collar is locked on with a pin and padlock, and her chastity belt never comes off (of course), but we taught her how to put on her own wrist and ankle restraints! These heavy restraints have a unique push pin locking system, meaning you can lock them on, but they can not come off without using a tool. Amanda is a perfect pet, great boobs and flexible legs! She has a bit of naughty humor, but she listens very well! She knows how to lock herself into the small dog cage, and will patiently wait to be let out again. Good girl!


text:
MOVIEmeterSEE RANK
Up 70,805 this week
What Am I Bid? (1967)
Approved | | Comedy, Drama, Music | 1 January 1967 (USA)
Pat Hubbard (Leroy VanDyke), following his San Diego discharge from the Navy, is on a bus returning to the family ranch in Phoenix Arizona, and has a stop-over in Hollywood. He goes to the ... See full summary »
Director:Gene Nash
Writer:Gene Nash
Stars:Leroy VanDyke, Kristin Harmon, Stephanie Hill | See full cast and crew »


text:
Eye Movements
A Window on Mind and Brain
Edited By
- Roger van Gompel
Eye-movement recording has become the method of choice in a wide variety of disciplines investigating how the mind and brain work. This volume brings together recent, high-quality eye-movement research from many different disciplines and, in doing so, presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in eye-movement research. Sections include the history of eye-movement research, physiological and clinical studies of eye movements, transsaccadic integration, computational modelling of eye movements, reading, spoken language processing, attention and scene perception, and eye-movements in natural environments.View full description
Students and scholars working on eye movements, medical scientists, neurophysiologists, vision researchers, psychologists, cognitive scientists, language researchers
Book information
- Published: March 2007
- Imprint: ELSEVIER


text:
Excellent opportunity for a BE/BC Neurosurgeon to join this well-established dynamic and growing practice in the Midwest!
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Excellent Opportunity to Help Start and BUILD our Internal Medicine Residency Program. Seeking BC/BE Internal Medicine Physician to lead and develop the ongoing operation of this new program.
Great opportunity for a Hospice & Palliative Care Provider to be Medical Director of this highly skilled multi-disciplinary team that works closely with primary care providers to improve the quality of life for their patients and families.
Excellent Opportunity for a Pediatrician to take over a practice for a retiring provider in Mason City, Iowa.