Patent ID: 7406035
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for providing redundant protocol processes in a network element, comprising: receiving at least one lower layer protocol packet at a lower layer task of a first module, wherein the at least one lower layer protocol packet includes a higher layer protocol packet encapsulated therein; determining a peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received in response to failure of a higher layer protocol task of the first module while processing the higher layer protocol packet; terminating higher layer and lower layer protocol sessions of a second module with the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received in response to determining the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received; and implementing an activity switch from the first module to the second module after terminating the higher layer and the lower layer protocol sessions with the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received.