(19)

(11)

EP 0 970 429 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 28.10.1999 (43) Date of publication: 12.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/02 (21) Application number: 98954080.2 (22) Date of filing: 09.11.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G06F 17/22 (86) International application number: PCT/CA9801/047 (87) International publication number: WO 9925/071 (20.05.1999 Gazette 1999/20)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 10.11.1997 CA 2220578 10.11.1997 CA 2220579 10.11.1997 CA 2220580 10.11.1997 CA 2220641 12.03.1998 US 41131 12.03.1998 US 41130 12.03.1998 US 41129 12.03.1998 US 41128 (71) Applicant: NORTEL NETWORKS CORPORATION Montreal,Quebec H2Y 3Y4 (CA)

(72) Inventors: TRUDEAU, Joseph, Jean-Paul, Denis Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M2 (CA) CRADDOCK, Arthur, Julian, Patterson Greely, Ontario K4P 1E7 (CA) KHUWAJA, Ramzan, A. Nepean, Ontario K2G 4L1 (CA) ARMSTRONG, Steve, Michael Nepean, Ontario K2H 5G5 (CA) PARSONS, Eric, Walter Richmond, Ontario K0A 2Z0 (CA) MACFARLANE, Ian, Alexander Stittsville, Ontario K2S 1H9 (CA) (74) Representative: Funnell, Samantha Jane et al Hepworth Lawrence Bryer & BizleyMerlin HouseFalconry CourtBakers Lane Epping,Essex CM16 5DQ Epping,Essex CM16 5DQ (GB)