Patent ID: 7298693
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. In a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) data network comprised of a plurality of data switches interconnected to form a plurality of data paths to a destination node, a method of routing a first message between a second and a first data switch comprising: establishing a downstream working path for data traffic that includes said first data switch and said second data switch; establishing a downstream protection path associated with the working path; establishing an upstream reverse notification path associated with the working path for signal traffic from a destination switch in the working path to a protection switch in the working path, the upstream reverse notification path being separate from the protection path, wherein the first and second data switches are either between or the same as either the destination or protection switches in the working path; routing the first message from said second data switch to said first data switch via said upstream reverse notification path, the first message providing a fault status indication for said working path.