Patent ID: 6370110
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: H04J,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
For use with a network that includes (i) at least one service ring configured of first links that each run between a pair of nodes to form a ring-like path; (ii) at least one protection ring configured of second links that each runs between said pair of nodes in parallel with a corresponding first link; and (iii) a mesh sub-network network that includes a plurality of third links that collectively provide point-to-point connectivity between selected nodes, a method for restoring traffic in the event of a failure of a failed link, comprising:monitoring the service and protection rings, respectively, to determine whether each of the first and second links is one of a failed or active state; simultaneously monitoring the mesh network to determine whether each third link is in an active or failed state; and establishing, in response to a determination that one of said first and third links has failed, a restoration path comprised of at least one of said second and third links that are in an active state, and effecting the switching of traffic from a failed one of said first links and third links, as determined from said monitoring steps, onto said restoration path.