Patent ID: 8352537
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of entities associated with a network element (NE), wherein the plurality of entities have a hierarchical relationship with one another, wherein each of the plurality of entities is assigned one of a plurality of Access Identifiers (AIDs), wherein each of the plurality of AIDs comprise one of a plurality of prefixes and a unique numerical field that specifies a corresponding NE entity's hierarchical ranking, wherein each prefix indicates one of a plurality of entity types associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of entities, wherein each prefix comprises a limited size string of characters, wherein the AIDs are included in command messages and specify the entities during provisioning, monitoring, or cross-connecting functions, wherein the plurality of entity types comprises a shelf, an equipment, a port, a facility, a sub-equipment, and a sub-facility, and wherein the shelf is associated with the equipment, wherein the equipment is associated with the sub-equipment, the facility, the port, or combinations thereof, and wherein the facility is associated with the sub-facility.