Patent ID: 8023414
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A provider edge router, comprising a routing element that routes packet traffic between a plurality of autonomous systems according to one or more virtual routing and forwarding tables each having a plurality of enhanced interior gateway routing protocol autonomous system numbers, wherein the routing element comprises: a communications interface for processing packets from a plurality of customer edge routers; a memory for storing the virtual routing and forwarding table and routing information; and a controller that manages operations of the routing element according to protocols conforming to enhanced interior gateway routing protocol and border gateway protocol standards, wherein when the routing element detects an interruption in a select one of the customer edge routers, the interruption comprising limited or no operation of the select one of the customer edge routers, the routing element removes one or more enhanced interior gateway routing protocol autonomous system numbers from one of the virtual routing and forwarding tables associated with the affected customer edge router, and advertises the update of the virtual routing and forwarding table to one or more network elements of a communication system coupled to the provider edge router; wherein when the routing element detects no interruption in the select one of the customer edge routers, the routing element checks for routing updates received from the select one of the customer edge routers, and if an update is received, the virtual routing and forwarding table associated with the select one of the customer edge routers is updated and advertised to the communication system; and wherein, upon receiving packet traffic from one of the customer edge routers, the routing element: