Patent ID: 8929203
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for service instance management in a first network node of a communication network, the method comprising monitoring a plurality of bidirectional and distinct network paths for carrying service instances from the first network node to a second network node that form at least two network protection groups, each protection group including at least (A) a working network path which is preferably used for traffic related to the one or more service instances, and (B) a protection network path useable as an alternative for the working network path; and continuously and periodically sending Continuity Check Messages, CCMs, on a monitored network path to the second network node, wherein, in response to occurrence of a predetermined event, an indication bit is included in the CCMs, which are sent on said monitored network path for a predetermined first period of time after the occurrence of said predetermined event, the indication bit indicating presence of a mismatch information element in the CCM that includes the indication bit, wherein, the mismatch information element includes information that specifies, for each protection group that said monitored network path is a member of, a protection group identifier and traffic status of the working network path and of the protection network path of the protection group, wherein said traffic status indicates whether said working network path or said protection network path, respectively, is currently used for the traffic related to the one or more of said service instances.