Patent ID: 6975588
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for creating a path between a first network element and a second network element included in a bi-directional line switched ring, the bi-directional line switched ring including a third network element, the third network element being arranged to be in communication with the first network element across a first link, the third network element further being arranged to be in communication with the second network element across a second link, the apparatus comprising: a querying device, the querying device being arranged to automatically identify at least a first time slot associated with the first link, the first time slot being available for use in transferring data between the first network element and the third network element, the querying device further being arranged to automatically identify at least a second time slot associated with the second link, the second time slot being available for use in transferring data between the third network element and the second network element; a comparator, the comparator being arranged to compare the first time slot and the second time slot to determine when the first time slot and the second time slot are consistent; and a path computing device, the path computing device being arranged to automatically compute the path between the first network element and the second network element using the first time slot of the first link and the second time slot of the second link when the first time slot and the second time slot are consistent.