Abstract: A method that rapidly reconfigures a computer network having a plurality of devices executing the spanning tree algorithm. First, one or more devices are configured and arranged so that one port, providing connectivity to the root, is in the forwarding state and the remaining ports, providing connectivity to the root, are in the blocked state. Next, one or more of the blocked ports are designated as back-up ports. Upon detection of a failure at the active forwarding port, one of the back-up ports immediately transitions from blocked to forwarding, thereby becoming the new active port for the device. Following the transition to a new active port, dummy multicast messages are transmitted, each containing the source address of an entity directly coupled to the affected device or downstream thereof. By examining the dummy multicast messages, other devices in the network learn to use to the new forwarding port of the affected device. Rapid reconfiguration of the network is also provided upon detection of a new or repaired link or device representing a better path toward the root. The method is also compatible with networks supporting virtual local area network (VLAN) designations and allows load balancing among different VLANs.

Abstract: Chapter 1. Ports Chapter 2. Port Development Chapter 3. Impact of Changing Ship Technology on Ports Chapter 4. Port Approaches Chapter 5. Port Administration, Ownership and Management Chapter 6. Port Policy Chapter 7. Berths and Terminals Chapter 8. Cargo and Cargo Handling Chapter 9. Port Labour Chapter 10. Time in Port and Speed of Cargo Handling Chapter 11. Port Costs, Prices and Revenue Chapter 12. Port Environmental Matters- Sustainable Development

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling an appliance including a first wireless communication port is disclosed. In one aspect, the method and system provide a portable digital device for remotely controlling an appliance. The portable digital device includes a processor, a second wireless communication port coupled with the processor, and a control program for use by the processor. Upon a query provided from the second wireless communication port to the first wireless communication port, an interface residing on the appliance is provided from the appliance to the portable digital device. This allows the control program to control the appliance using the interface. In another aspect, the method and system include providing the interface residing on the appliance. The interface is capable of being uploaded to a portable digital device including a processor, a control program, and a second wireless communication port. In another aspect, the method and system include providing a command from the second wireless communication port of the portable digital device to the first wireless communication port of the appliance, executing the command using the appliance, and providing a response from the first wireless communication port of the appliance to the second wireless communication port of the portable digital device.

Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge. The central station also communicates with the port facility and the vehicle subsystem to notify the user of the selected vehicle, to provide secure user access to the selected vehicle, to monitor the location and operating status of vehicles in the fleet, to monitor the state of charge of electric vehicles and to provide other functions. The vehicles communicate with the central station to notify the central station of the PIN number of the individual attempting to use the vehicle, and of vehicle parameters such as state of charge and location of the vehicle.

Abstract: 'Port competition' is a rather puzzling expression. This paper approaches it literally, searching for precise meanings. In seaports that contain complex and changeable mixtures of public and private enterprise, who competes and why? The answers to these questions are not conclusive but suggestive indications are found in the US, UK and northwestern Europe. Finally, we discuss what seem to be the key influential factors which may impact on the competitiveness of a port.

Abstract: A system for implementing flow control in an information network such as a local area network (LAN) utilizing a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) as specified by the IEEE standard 802.03. The information network transmits computer information such as computer data between various computer systems coupled to the information network. The information network includes information network switches capable of routing information packets received via its input ports to its output ports. The received packets are held in buffers of the output ports before being transmitted via the output ports. A portion of each output port buffer is allocated to each input port. The information network switch provides a control packet such as a PAUSE frame to an upstream source operably coupled to the input port in response to the level occupancy of the portion of the buffer allocated to the input port exceeding a first level. The PAUSE frame inhibits the upstream source from transmitting information packets to the input port. In one system, each upstream source has the capability of ignoring the control packet when the level of occupancy of an output buffer of the upstream source exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: Containerized shipping has brought profound changes to maritime transport, including a shift from labor-intensive to more capital-intensive activities. Revising the traditional organization of seaports everywhere will prepare ports for a more competitive market and less financial dependence on governments. With containerized shipping, maritime transport has changed profoundly. Among other things, it has shifted from labor-intensive to more capital-intensive activities, including larger specialized ships that require substantial investments in port infrastructure and equipment. Integrated transport chains have reduced transport costs so much that a shipper may find a distant port cheaper than a closer one. Modern ports must be competitive on times and prices for their services. Seaports must be integrated within logistical chains to serve their many functions. An efficient seaport requires infrastructure, superstructure, equipment, adequate connections to other modes of transport, a well-motivated management, and qualified employees. The public sector has been an important port organizer in the past, but private participation in port operations and infrastructure could make ports significantly more competitive. Trujillo and Nombela provide an overview of changes in maritime activity, discuss concession contracts (a key instrument of privatization), and analyze how regulatory mechanisms affect such factors as seaport tariffs, port congestion, port safety, the quality of cargo handling, and relevant indicators of performance, finances, and factor productivity. They describe how an optimal seaport system should allocate tasks between the various institutions involved, including the port authority. The degree of a seaport`s decentralization, they conclude, depends on a country's size, the number of ports it has, and its legal tradition. Among several national governments in Latin America - Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela - there is an evident trend toward decentralization and greater autonomy for port authorities. This paper - a product of Governance, Regulation, and Finance, World Bank Institute - is part of a larger effort in the institute to increase understanding of infrastructure regulation. Gustavo Nombela may be contacted at nombela@empresariales.ulpgc.es.

Abstract: A multiport data communication system for switching data packets between ports includes a plurality of receive ports for receiving data packets, a plurality of transmit ports for transmitting data packets, circuitry deciding whether each received data packet is one of high priority and low priority, and a memory for storing each received data packet. A memory location designator is provided for each data packet indicating where the corresponding data packet is stored in the memory and a plurality of queuing devices corresponding to the plurality of transmit ports queue the memory location designators. Each queuing device has a high priority queue queuing memory location designators corresponding to data packets of high priority to be retrieved from the memory an transmitted by the respective transmit port and a low priority queue queuing memory location designators corresponding to data packets of low priority to be retrieved from the memory and transmitted by the respective transmit port. Transferring circuitry transfers the data packets from the memory to a transmit queue corresponding to each respective transmit port and includes logic circuitry corresponding to each transmit queue. The logic circuitry determines whether the low priority queue of a respective queuing device has a memory location designator for a data packet to be retrieved from the memory and sent to the corresponding transmit queue only when the high priority queue of the respective queuing device is empty of memory location designators.

Abstract: An improvement is provided to a network switch of the type including a set of input and output ports for receiving and forwarding data transmissions from and to network stations and a crosspoint switch for selectively routing data transmissions between the input and output ports. Each input port stores successive incoming data transmissions in an input buffer queue. When a data transmission reaches the head of the queue, the input port requests a route through the crosspoint switch to an output port that is to forward the transmission to a network station. When the output port is ready to receive the transmission the crosspoint switch establishes the route and the input port forwards the data transmission from its buffer queue to the output port. In the improved network switch, the input port discards the data transmission at the head of the buffer queue without forwarding it to an output port when necessary to make room in the buffer for incoming transmissions.

Abstract: A system and method for a multiple manager to multiple server Internet Protocol (IP) locking application in a directory-enabled network. The IP locking application is a component of a network management application and runs on each server device. The IP locking application processes requests from a network management application on two user-defined TCP/IP port numbers. The first port is designated as the status port and can be accessed by multiple network management applications and/or multiple users to determine the identification of the network management application and/or user that has control of the second port which is designated as the lock port. The status port is used to determine whether or not the server directory is currently being updated by another network management application or user. The lock port is used to actually lock the server device by forming a connection to the port and passing the user and network management application identifiers of the lock requester. Since the lock port is a TCP/IP port, only one connection can be active at a given time. The lock is normally released by disconnecting from the port.

Abstract: This paper illustrates some practical Geographical Information System (GIS) applications for aiding fishery managers and coastal area planners in analysing the likely interactions of ports, inshore fleets, and local non-migratory inshore stocks, and in providing a flexible modelling framework for decision making on fishery development and zoning issues. The classic geographical “friction of distance” approach to generating fields of action around home ports of inshore fleets which largely make day trips to their adjacent fishing grounds, is compared with a more flexible empirical “Gaussian Effort Allocation” (GEAM) modelling approach where peak effort may occur at different distances from port. The latter approach is considered more appropriate in describing resource depletion with distance. The geographical implications of fishing effort and intensity fields are contrasted, and compared with Beverton and Holt’s (1957)ideas on the effect of distance from port on the “limiting effort distribution”. Similar readily-calculated geographical reference points for inshore fishing fleets are derived. The GEAM framework allows a range of geographical characteristics to be taken into account in describing the interactions of ports and local fleets with inshore resources and local fishing grounds, and unlike friction of distance concepts, allows for resource depletion close to port. Two examples are given of fitting effort “fields” from port-based fleets to observed data, in this case on survey biomass, following the assumption of local effort allocation proportional to local catch rate. Procedures are also suggested for collecting prior information on fleet activity to tune the model. The GEAM model is also suggested as an aid to deciding on the location of marine parks or fishery closure areas.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide for selection of a port in a portable computer as a pathway for exchanging data between the portable computer and an external data source. These embodiments can function with a variety of physical accessories, such as docking port cradles and modems, that connect the portable computer with apparatus that include an external data source. Some of the embodiments provide methods that include the receiving of a request signal for data exchange, and determining whether the signal is from a physical accessory. If the signal is from a physical accessory, the portable computer exchanges data through the corresponding physical accessory. On the other hand, if the portable computer determines that the signal is not from a physical accessory, the portable computer exchanges data through a predetermined port, such as a default port, or a port specified by the user as a preferred port. Certain users exchange data at different times using different ports in conjunction with different physical accessories, but use only one exclusive port that does not connect to a physical accessory. Various embodiments of the invention assure that expectations regarding data exchanges for these users never fail due to an improper port selection, as long as the one exclusive port is selected as the preferred port.

Abstract: A loop network hub port with an automatic bypass feature. The automatic bypass feature causes the hub port to enter a bypass mode upon detection of a specified loop failure initialization sequence from a node port attached to the hub port. The hub port does not propagate loop failure initialization data generated by the attached node port upon the failure of a data channel from the hub port to the node port. The hub port replaces loop failure initialization data received from the node port with buffer data and conceals the node port failure from the remainder of the loop. Upon detection of the loop failure initialization sequence received from the attached node port, the hub port enters a bypass mode and maintains that bypass mode until a recovery sequence is received from the node port. At that point, the hub port reinserts the node port into the loop.

Abstract: The town of Shoreham is a sleepy ferry port on the south coast of England. But in January 1995, it was the catalyst for a nationwide campaign against the export of live calves to the European continent, where they are slaughtered after gruelling journeys and weeks in wooden crates. After an earlier campaign in the early 1990s, the practice of ‘in-crate feeding’, which continental chefs say produces the most tender veal, was banned in Britain. But a market is a market, and the response of British cattle breeders was to ship live calves to the continent, where cattle operations and governments are less fastidious than in Britain.

Abstract: A method for computing cost information associated with a port of a switch in a network of switches. Cost information is computed as a port load factor: a ratio of port latency over available throughput. Port latency is determined as the depth of a queue associated with the port divided by the speed of the port. Available throughput is determined as the speed of the slowest port on a given path associated with the port in question. Preferably, the queue depth is measured in bits and the port speed and available throughput are measured in bits per second. Further, in the preferred embodiment, port latency is computed as a weighted average as ((15×previous latency)+current latency)/16. A higher value for the port load factor indicates a port which is more heavily loaded. The load factor is therefore useful in load balancing among the ports of switches and paths associated therewith.

Abstract: Mechanisms for use on designated ports in spanning tree protocol entities allow such ports to transition to a forwarding state on the basis of actual communication delays between neighboring bridges, rather than upon expiration of forwarding delay timers. The logic that manages transition of states in the spanning tree protocol entity identifies ports which are changing to a designated port role, and issues a message on such ports informing the downstream port that the issuing port is able to assume a forwarding state. The logic begins the standard delay timer for entry to the listening state and then the learning state, prior to assuming the forwarding state. However, when a reply from the downstream port is received, then the issuing port reacts by changing immediately to the forwarding state without continuing to await expiration of the delay timer and without traversing transitional listening and learning states. A downstream port which receives a message from an upstream port indicating that it is able to assume a forwarding state, reacts by ensuring that no loop will be formed by the change in state of the upstream port. In one embodiment, the downstream port changes the state of designated ports on the protocol entity which were recently root ports to a blocking state, and then issues messages downstream indicating that such designated ports are ready to resume the forwarding state. The designated ports on the downstream protocol entity await a reply from ports further downstream. In this way, loops are blocked step-by-step through the network, as the topology of the tree settles.

Abstract: A hub port (300) in a hub of a loop network which automatically bypasses a node port (314) which is generating a particular loop failure initialization sequence. The hub port contains a detection circuit which enables the hub port to detect loop failure initialization data received from its attached node port. Upon detecting such data from an attached node port, the hub port (300) replaces such data with buffer data to be passed to the next hub port. Upon detecting the completion of a loop failure initialization sequence from an attached node port, the hub port enters a bypass node. The hub port no longer passes on output from its attached node port and instead forwards along the internal hub link data received from the previous hub port in the hub loop. The bypass is maintained until the hub port receives a primitive sequence indicating the recovery of the attached node port. The hub port periodically sends at least one recovery sequence to the node port. When the hub port receives the same recovery sequence back from the node port, the hub port ends the bypass and reinserts the node port back into the hub loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing modular I/O expansion. Apparatus are provided on a host computing device and an expansion unit to support multiple port types, and multiplexing apparatus are provided to support simultaneous I/O sessions between multiple applications on the host computing device and multiple I/O ports on the expansion unit over a single host I/O port. The expansion unit is equipped with one or more port interface modules that are each configured to support data transmission in accordance with one port type from a set of port types. Apparatus on the expansion unit perform multiplexing and demultiplexing of data transmitted between the host computing device and the port interface modules of the expansion unit. Port interface objects in the host computing device each support data transmission in accordance with one port type from the set of port types. A host multiplexor on the host computing device performs multiplexing and demultiplexing of data between the expansion unit and the port interface objects. A registry is maintained to map port interface objects to port interface modules.

Abstract: An enhanced spanning tree protocol for data communications networks having a multi-link trunk. In one embodiment, configuration messages are transmitted from boxes of the data communications network. In one embodiment, the configuration messages that are transmitted through all physical links of the same logical link, or multi-link trunk, include the same port Identifier. A network device that receives the configuration messages is therefore able to identify all of the physical links of a logical link. The enhanced spanning tree protocol according to one embodiment of the present invention considers all of the physical links of a multi-link trunk as a single logical link when identifying and removing loops in the data communications network to form a spanning tree.

Abstract: With containerized shipping, maritime transport has changed profoundly. Among other things, it has shifted from labor-intensive to more capital-intensive activities, including larger specialized ships that require substantial investments in port infrastructure and equipment. Integrated transport chains have reduced transport costs so much that a shipper may find a distant port cheaper than a closer one. Modern ports must be competitive on times and prices for their services. Seaports must be integrated within logistical chains to serve their many functions. An efficient seaport requires infrastructure, superstructure, equipment, adequate connections to other modes of transport, a well-motivated management, and qualified employees. The public sector has been an important port organizer in the past, but private participation in port operations and infrastructure could make ports significantly more competitive. The authors provide an overview of changes in maritime activity, discuss concession contracts (a key instrument of privatization), and analyze how regulatory mechanisms affect such factors as seaport tariffs, port congestion, port safety, the quality of cargo handling, and relevant indicators of performance, finances, and factor productivity. They describe how an optimal seaport system should allocate tasks between the various institutions involved, including the port authority. The degree of a seaport's decentralization, they conclude, depends on a country size, the number of ports it has, and its legal tradition. Among several national governments in Latin America--Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela--there is an evident trend toward decentralization and greater autonomy for port authorities.

Abstract: A printer driver is installed on a client computer. The client requests the driver from a print server. The print server identifies a printer served by the print server. The print server retrieves a driver for the printer and a description of the printer's capabilities. The driver and the description are packaged into an electronic mail (e-mail) message and sent to the client. Software installed on the client unpackages the driver and the description from the e-mail and installs the driver on the client. The software also creates a port on the client and attaches the port to the printer driver.

Abstract: A network switch for routing data between network stations includes a set of input ports for receiving data transmissions from network stations, a set of output ports forwarding data transmissions to network stations and a crosspoint switch for routing data transmissions from each input port to a selected output port. When an input port receives a data transmission it sends a request to a routing arbitrator requesting a connection through the crosspoint switch to an output port that is to forward the transmission to a network station. A routing arbitrator grants a connection request commanding the crosspoint switch to establish a data path from the requesting input port to the requested output port. Each output port stores each data transmission received from an input port in a data buffer until it can forward that data transmission to a network station. When an output port's data buffer becomes so full that it cannot store another data transmission, it asserts a FULL signal input to the routing arbitrator. The FULL signal, when asserted, tells the routing arbitrator to refrain from granting any connection requests to the output port asserting the FULL signal.

Abstract: In the competitive container cargo transportation market, shipping companies are drastically changing their strategy vis-a-vis routing and port choice by the formation of global alliances. In such a situation, the effectiveness of port management policy in persuading container liners to use the port is most important. The paper discusses port management policy in an equilibrium shipping market. A model is proposed to simulate the flow of foreign trade container cargo using game theory. It is used to explain the interaction of port management policy, shipping companies and shippers.

Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge. The central station also communicates with the port facility and the vehicle subsystem to notify the user of the selected vehicle, to provide secure user access to the selected vehicle, to monitor the location and operating status of vehicles in the fleet, to monitor the state of charge of electric vehicles and to provide other functions. The vehicles communicate with the central station to notify the central station of the PIN number of the individual attempting to use the vehicle, and of vehicle parameters such as state of charge and location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stackable network unit comprises a ‘down’ port and an ‘up’ port, an arbitration path for data packets from the down port to the up port, a repeat path for data packets from the up port to the down port, a link detector for detecting tile absence of another operative unit connected to the down port to cause data packets on the return pat to bypass the down port and proceed on the arbitration path and for detecting the absence of another operative unit connected to the up port to cause data packets on the arbitration path to bypass the up port and proceed on the repeat path.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically discovering accessible services on a computer network and providing automatic access thereto. In particular, a gateway server is provided which periodically scans a building network for available network services and publishes links to the available network services over the Internet. Advantageously, a scanning engine of the gateway server periodically attempts to open a connection, or socket, with the port associated with each service to determine the availability of that service. The scanning engine initiates a second exchange with the port to validate the availability of the particular network service if the attempt to establish a connection with the port was successful. The scanning engine then creates a list of the identified accessible services. The list of accessible services may be configured as dynamic links on a gateway server web page to allow access to the identified network services from an outside network, via the dynamic links.