Patent ID: 8467289
Filing Date: 2013-06-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method performed on a network element employing Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to optimize bandwidth in a ring topology network including a back-up Label Switch Path (LSP) for a protected LSP by re-routing traffic onto an optimized back-up LSP to avoid shared links between the protected LSP and back-up LSP, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first labeled packet from another label switch router (LSR) in the protected LSP, the first labeled packet indicating a protection switch of data from the protected LSP to the back-up LSP; determining by the network element that the network element is a shared LSR in the ring topology network that is furthest upstream on a segment of the protected LSP that overlaps the back-up LSP, wherein the shared LSR is an LSR that is shared between the protected LSP and the back-up LSP; rerouting traffic at the network element for the protected LSP onto the optimized back-up LSP in response to the determining that the network element is the furthest upstream on the segment; receiving a second labeled packet indicating a protection switch of data from the optimized back-up LSP to the protected LSP; and restoring routing of the traffic onto the protected LSP in response to receiving the second labeled packet.