Patent ID: 8018863
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing a number of CC (Connectivity Check) messages transmitted in a provider network, wherein a first customer network element is coupled with a second customer network element through the provider network, wherein the provider network includes a first service provider network element coupled with a second service provider network element, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of first CC messages from the first customer network element at a first periodicity rate at the first service provider network element, wherein the plurality of first CC messages are destined for the second customer network element and are associated with the first customer network element; and transmitting a set of one or more second CC messages to the second service provider network element through the provider network at a second periodicity rate, wherein the second periodicity rate is smaller than the first periodicity rate, wherein the set of second CC messages are each associated with the first customer network element, and wherein each of the set of second CC messages includes a repeat count value that indicates a number of CC messages associated with the first customer network element that the second service provider network element is to transmit to the second customer network element at the first periodicity rate.