Patent ID: 6600719
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
A method for restoring communications in a network the network having a plurality of nodes, with each pair of nodes connected by a link, with each link having information channels and dedicated restoration channels, comprising the steps of:sending an idle signal on each dedicated restoration channel for each link; detecting a failure of an intermediate node between an originating node and a terminating node, said intermediate node switching information signals carried by at least one information channel for a plurality of links terminating at said intermediate node and carrying information signals from said originating node to said terminating node; determining an alternate path through the network around said failed node using restoration and idle signals sent over dedicated restoration channels for links not terminating at said failed node; and routing said information signals from said originating node to said terminating node in accordance with said alternate path, wherein said step of determining comprises the steps of: identifying information channels for nodes having links terminating at said failed node; ranking said nodes using a connection map; sequentially restoring said information channels for nodes having links terminating at said failed node according to said rankings until all said information channels are restored.