State machines for configuration of a communications network

摘要

An apparatus for controlling configuration of a communications network, the network including a trunk having trunk segments and lobe circuits for connecting to nodes. The apparatus comprises an internal trunk circuit, and a plurality of ports. The ports include a lobe port for connecting to a lobe circuit, an input port for connecting to an input trunk segment, and an output port for connecting to an output trunk segment. State machines are provided for sensing the communications signal at a corresponding one of each of said plurality of ports. Each state machines is transitioned by a set of transition rules which include inputs from the sensed communications signals. The state machines enable the connection and disconnection of said ports to said internal trunk.