Architecture for a hybrid STM/ATM add-drop multiplexer

An interconnection system for a network element, comprising:

• a first line unit slot;
• a second line unit slot;
• a first switch fabric slot;
• a second switch fabric slot;
• a control unit slot;
• a plurality of service unit slots, said first line unit slot communicably coupled as a hub to said first switch fabric slot, said second switch fabric slot, and said plurality of service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration, said second line unit slot communicably coupled as a hub to said first switch fabric slot, said second switch fabric slot, and said plurality of service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration;
• wherein said first switch fabric slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said first line unit slot, said second line unit slot, and said plurality of service unit slots in a third star interconnection configuration, said second switch fabric slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said first line unit slot, said second line unit slot, and said plurality of service unit slots in a fourth star interconnection configuration;
• and
• wherein said control unit slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said first line unit slot, said second line unit slot, said first switch fabric slot, said second switch fabric slot, and said plurality of service unit slots in a fifth star interconnection configuration.

A network element, comprising:

• at least one line unit slot;
• at least one switch fabric slot;
• a plurality of service unit slots, said line unit slot communicably coupled as a hub to said at least one switch fabric slot and said plurality of service unit slots in a first star interconnection configuration;
• wherein said switch fabric slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said line unit slot and said plurality of service unit slots in a second star interconnection configuration;
• and
• a line unit module coupled to said line unit slot, said line unit module including a switch fabric.

A network element, comprising:

• a first line unit slot;
• a second line unit slot;
• a plurality of service unit slots interconnected by a first star interconnection configuration and a second star interconnection configuration, said first star interconnection configuration having said first line unit slot as a hub, said second star interconnection configuration having said second line unit as a hub;
• a first one of said service unit slots further interconnected as a hub to other ones of said service slots to form a third star interconnection configuration;
• a second one of said service unit slots further interconnected as a hub to other ones of said service slots to form a fourth star interconnection configuration;
• and
• a control unit slot interconnected as a hub to said first line unit slot, said second line unit slot, and said service unit slots to form a fifth star interconnection configuration.