Optimized universal card slot system for sonet multiplex equipment

Abstract

A universal tributary interface group approach for SONET multiplex equipment in which the shelf is partitioned into regions and each region can be provisioned to support different service types. The universal tributary group system includes an equipment shelf having a backplane. The equipment shelf is partitioned into regions called tributary groups which are each capable of accepting tributary units having compatible bus widths and clock rates. Removable card guides may be inserted into the tributary group spaces so that tributary interface units of different heights and widths may be placed in the tributary group spaces. Additionally, a plurality of bus segments run along the backplane to electrically connect a time slot interchange unit to card slots in the tributary groups. Each of the bus segments is capable of being provisioned to use a bus rate compatible with the data requirements of the tributary group it services.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.