Patent ID: 8184526
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method extending Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management, comprising: provisioning a set of two or more End Points; exchanging a sequence of Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages between the End Points, wherein the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages comprise values for defined attributes of the services supported amongst the End Points in extensions to the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages, and wherein the extensions to the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages are transmitted over a network; and processing the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages at remote End Points to extract the attributes, wherein the processing comprises dynamic re-configuration responsive to changes in the network; wherein the Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management messages comprise Continuity Check Messages with the extensions contained therein to add general and sub messages to provide one or more of Media Access Control attributes and Pseudowire labels, and wherein the Continuity Check Messages utilize the extensions to provision line cards in the End Points in addition to performing Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management functions of monitoring and protection switching.