Patent Publication Number: US-7596612-B1

Title: Interface system for carrier virtual network system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to telecommunications. More particularly, the present invention relates to the establishment of carrier virtual networks to allow telecommunication service providers to access and manage secure, partitioned layer one telecommunication resources of other telecommunication service providers, and vice versa, thereby better using underutilized telecommunication resources and improving the reach and service of participating telecommunication service providers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The telecommunication industry in the United States, as well as abroad, faces a unique set of circumstances. The telecommunication industry as a whole suffers from an over capacity of installed telecommunication resources. Yet despite this over capacity, every telecommunication service provider, however, is exposed to service requests in specific cities, countries, or regions of the world where it has available less than adequate managed telecommunication resources to deliver the requested services to customers. 
     The problem of over capacity of telecommunication resources arises most markedly at layer one of the telecommunication hierarchy. Layer one telecommunication resources have been deployed beyond the level the market place presently requires and beyond the level reasonably expected to be necessary in the near future. Layer one resources are the physical resources, such as copper lines, coaxial cables, fiber circuits, wireless bandwidth, digital cross connects, optical switches, electrical switches, and other physical resources used to provide telecommunication services. At present, installed layer one telecommunication resources drastically exceed the needed resources in many areas. The excess layer one resources include completely unused resources, such as unused optical fiber typically referred to as “dark fiber.” Excess layer one resources also include resources that are in use but under utilized, such as transmission facilities like optical fiber that has been “lit”, meaning equipped and put in use, but that is being used at well below its possible capacity. Excess layer one resources represent a significant investment for telecommunication service providers—an investment that in many instances provides little or no return and questionable prospect of returns in the foreseeable future. 
     The problem of under capacity of telecommunication resources most often relates to the lack of layer one resources within particular markets or geographical areas for a particular telecommunication service provider in need of such resources to provide service to customers. While a particular telecommunication service provider&#39;s resources may be under utilized in at least some markets, the service provider may lack resources in other markets where it needs such resources to provide services to its customers. Faced with such a situation, the telecommunication service provider historically had to choose between not offering the service needed by a customer, incurring the expense of deploying additional layer one resources to service that customer, or acquiring access to unmanaged layer one resources from other telecommunication service providers with resources deployed in the market. Frequently, none of those options are desirable or available within timelines acceptable to the customer and the telecommunication service provider involved. 
     A decision to not provide services needed by a customer is obviously damaging to both the customer and the telecommunication service provider. Such a course leaves the customer without needed services, and the customer must then pursue alternative arrangements to meet its telecommunication needs. The telecommunication service provider that declines to provide services loses possible revenue and risks harming a customer relationship. A telecommunication customer in this situation may ultimately obtain services from multiple telecommunications providers. This can increase the total cost of telecommunication services to the customer, and will almost always increase the complexity of the customer&#39;s telecommunications operations. While few would prefer such a situation, this is often forced upon customers if a single telecommunications provider cannot provide that customer with all telecommunication services required for its various locations. Clearly, simply not providing service to a customer when a telecommunication service provider lacks the layer one resources needed to provide the service is unappealing. 
     It may seem that the most straight forward way for a telecommunication service provider to provide services to a customer needing services for which the service provider lacks required layer one resources is to simply physically deploy the required layer one resources. Several obstacles prevent this seemingly simple solution from being feasible in most circumstances. First, the time required to deploy the required layer one resources often far exceeds the time frame within which a customer needs the service. Second, the cost of deploying the resources often greatly exceeds the revenues likely to be received by the telecommunication service provider from the customer for the needed services. Third, once the layer one resources are deployed they are likely to be under utilized and, therefore, unprofitable for the telecommunication service provider. For these and other reasons, deploying additional layer one resources to meet a customer&#39;s service needs is frequently impractical for both the customer and the telecommunication service provider. 
     Given the unsatisfactory nature of simply not providing a customer a service it needs and the impracticality of deploying the layer one resources required to provide a customer a service it needs, a telecommunication service provider may seek to access the layer one resources of another telecommunication service provider to provide the customer the needed service. If, as is often the case, a telecommunication service provider has deployed layer one resources in an area, another service provider needing to provide services in that area may seek to access those excess layer one resources to provide a service to a customer. Historically, the layer, one resources acquired in this fashion had no systemic management capabilities extended with them. The acquired layer one resources were, essentially, an unmanaged capacity acquisition. While understood within the industry, acquiring such access and providing service to a customer using the resources of another telecommunication service provider is not a simple task. 
     First, determining what layer one telecommunication resources are available to be accessed in an area and which telecommunication service provider owns those resources is generally manual in nature, process intensive, and time consuming. The network management systems of a service provider&#39;s own telecommunication network can readily identify layer one resources are available within that network, but those network management systems cannot identify the layer one resources of other service providers&#39; that are potentially available. Often, identifying what layer one resources may be available from other telecommunication service providers may depend upon the personal knowledge of technicians in an area or a search of public records. Once possible layer one resources in another service provider&#39;s telecommunication network are identified, through whatever method, a request to access those resources must be made. After a request to access resources has been made, the telecommunication service provider that owns the requested layer one resources must determine the availability of those resources for access by the requester and determine the terms for that access. Evaluating such a request for access can be complicated by technical issues, business considerations, and extensive government regulation of the telecommunication industry. Even under the best of circumstances, evaluating and responding to a request from another telecommunication service provider to access layer one telecommunication resources can be a time consuming process. 
     Even if a service can ultimately be provided to a customer using another telecommunication service provider&#39;s layer one resources, the need to make individual inquiries to determine the availability of the layer one telecommunication resources of another telecommunication service provider drastically slows the process of establishing service to a customer, as the process of obtaining access must necessarily be completed before a connection can be made using those resources. The need to utilize resources from other service providers also complicates the provisioning process of the telecommunication service provider from being performed, which if not implemented properly can often be even more problematic to a customer than a delay in commencing the needed service. Provisioning refers to the process whereby a telecommunication service provider determines how to route a needed telecommunication connection, determines specific equipment (e.g. multiplexers, digital cross connect systems, etc.) and specific ports to be used, confirms available capacity end-to-end, and tests that connection before establishing it for the customer. Because the telecommunication service provider requesting access to another&#39;s layer one resources cannot access those resources and does not know what resources will be made available to it, the provisioning process cannot begin until arrangements have been made for accessing the layer one resources. Without all the information required to provision a requested connection, a telecommunication service provider cannot reliably inform a customer of the cost of the requested service, or even confirm that the requested service is possible. Thus, the customer must wait, often an indeterminate amount of time, not only for a telecommunication service to be provided, but also even for confirmation that the service is possible and what the service will cost. Indeed, difficulties such as these in even providing basic details about a requested service contribute to an unflattering caricature of telecommunication service providers. At a minimum, this delay and uncertainty frustrates customers and interferes with their business. 
     The result of the above described situation is problematic for both telecommunication service providers and their customers. Despite a general over capacity, even a glut, of deployed layer one telecommunication resources, the resources needed to provide services needed by customers are often not readily available when needed by a particular service provider in a particular market. While an under utilized high bandwidth capacity fiber may be proximate to a customer location, that fiber is often operated by another service provider, one that is not the customer&#39;s choice to meet its telecommunication needs. Simply switching to a different telecommunication service provider will often only change the location of the problem, as all telecommunication service providers suffer from limited reach in some areas and markets. As business and life increasingly become global, the problem of limited reach becomes increasingly problematic, with customers needing telecommunication services not only in multiple regions of one country, but also in multiple countries and even multiple continents. Thus, a customer faces a host of mostly access-limited telecommunication service choices, and telecommunication service providers struggle with the paradoxical twin dilemmas of simultaneous over capacity and under capacity of layer one telecommunication resources. 
     The need exists, therefore, for a system and method for allowing telecommunication providers to quickly, reliably, and conveniently access and manage the under utilized layer one resources of other telecommunication service provider&#39;s networks. Such a system should preferably allow for the easy provisioning of a connection and should be transparent to the ultimate customer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention establishes a carrier virtual network that extends the effective reach of telecommunication service providers&#39; networks and allows for the use of under utilized and unutilized layer one telecommunication resources of other service providers&#39; networks. A carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention allows a telecommunication network to access in a systemically managed manner the layer one resources of another telecommunication network to provide telecommunication services. The carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention may be established by dedicating one or more portions of the layer one telecommunication resources of a telecommunication network to the carrier virtual network. Thereafter, the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network may be systemically accessed by a telecommunication service provider that may access the carrier virtual network as if those layer one resources were part of the service provider&#39;s own telecommunication network. In a similar fashion, portions of layer one resources from multiple telecommunication networks may be dedicated to a single carrier virtual network. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein; 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a carrier virtual network comprised of portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from four telecommunication networks; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the apparent network available to a user of a telecommunication network by accessing layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of one possible arrangement of telecommunication networks in a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of one possible arrangement of telecommunication networks in a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of one possible arrangement of telecommunication networks in a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of the dedication of portions of layer one resources to carrier virtual networks; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the dedication of a layer one device to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration of the dedication of portions of layer one resources of a telecommunication network to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of the apparent network available to a user of telecommunication network by accessing layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of four telecommunication networks participating in three carrier virtual networks; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the apparent networks available to users of telecommunication networks by accessing layer one resources dedicated to carrier virtual networks; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of four telecommunication networks participating in a multiparty carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of the apparent network available to a user of a telecommunication network by accessing layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a carrier virtual network system manager and two participating telecommunication networks; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a carrier virtual network system manager and two participating telecommunication networks; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic illustration of data flow in and out of carrier virtual network system manager; 
         FIG. 17  is a flow diagram of one method for forming a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 18  is a flow diagram of one method for forming a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an inverse multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an inverse multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an inverse multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 22  is a flow diagram of one method for establishing an inverse multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 23  is a flow diagram of one method for reprovisioning one or more links in an inverse multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a carrier virtual network system using dynamic latency reprovisioning; 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a carrier virtual network system using dynamic latency reprovisioning; 
         FIG. 26  is a flow diagram of one method for dynamic latency reprovisioning; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an interface system for a carrier virtual network; 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an interface system for a carrier virtual network; and 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic illustration of data flow in one embodiment of an interface system for a carrier virtual network. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention allows unutilized or under utilized layer one telecommunication resources of one telecommunication network to be accessed and securely managed by another telecommunication network by creating carrier virtual networks. A carrier virtual network is a network of shared layer one telecommunication resources that are logically divided into discreet networks for different users. Telecommunication networks are often envisioned in various layers, with layer one being the layer of actual hardware, such as cables, optical/electrical switches, and add/drop multiplexers, with ascending layers representing communications protocols and, ultimately, the users of the network. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a portion of the layer one resources of a telecommunication network are dedicated to a carrier virtual network that may be accessed and managed by another telecommunication provider. While the layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network may be expected to be excess layer one resources, this need not be the case. 
     One simple arrangement of a carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention that is useful for illustrative purposes involves two telecommunication networks of different geographical scope. A portion of the layer one resources of each of the telecommunication networks are dedicated to a partitioned carrier virtual network that may be accessed and securely managed by the other telecommunication service provider. In this scenario, each telecommunication service provider would expand the geographical scope of services it could offer, without the cost and uncertainty of physically deploying additional layer one resources. 
     Of course, implementations of the present invention are likely to vary considerably from the basic example above. For example, one telecommunication service provider may enter into arrangements to create a carrier virtual network with multiple telecommunication networks owned by other telecommunication service providers. In this instance, the first telecommunication service provider would effectively expand its telecommunication network to include portions of the layer one resources of multiple other telecommunication networks. Thus, multiple portions of layer one resources from multiple telecommunication networks are combined into a single carrier virtual network that maybe accessed by a single telecommunication network. 
     Another possible scenario is the creation of pooled layer one resources from multiple telecommunication networks. These resources would be assigned to a non-dedicated carrier virtual network pool that would be accessible for acquisition by all carrier virtual network service providers&#39; customers. In this scenario, a portion of the layer one resources of each telecommunication network is dedicated to a single carrier virtual network accessible by telecommunication networks that dedicated layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. Alternately, access to the pooled layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network may be granted to telecommunication networks that do not contribute resources to the pool in exchange for suitable access fees. 
     It should be noted that the process whereby telecommunication service providers agree to form carrier virtual networks in accordance with the present invention is immaterial. Likewise, how telecommunication service providers participating in a carrier virtual network allocated access rights is immaterial to the present invention. Telecommunication service providers may pursue arrangements to establish and maintain carrier virtual networks in any fashion without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     A carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention may facilitate the provisioning of a service for a customer by establishing the network availability prior to the placement of an order by a customer. For example, a first telecommunication service provider and a second telecommunication service provider may form carrier virtual networks allowing each to access a portion of the other&#39;s layer one resources. At the formation of the network, and possibly at subsequent times, each service provider would identify to the other those layer one resources in its own telecommunication network that are dedicated to the carrier virtual network accessible to the other network. This process of identifying layer one resources that are dedicated to the carrier virtual network may involve providing to the network system manager of the other telecommunication network information regarding the portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network to enable the other telecommunication service provider to manage those resources as if they were part of its own network. The layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network would appear to customers and those performing provisioning for the telecommunication service provider as portions of its own telecommunication network. Accordingly, a participating telecommunication service provider could immediately ascertain whether a particular customer request can be fulfilled using the carrier virtual network, without having to engage the second telecommunication service provider to determine whether it will provide access to its layer one resources in an acceptable fashion. These and other broad aspects of the present invention are further illustrated in the attached figures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of a carrier virtual network comprised of portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from four telecommunication networks is illustrated. A first telecommunication network  110  dedicates a first portion  115  of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. A second telecommunication network  120  dedicates a second portion  125  of its layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. A third telecommunication network  130  dedicates a third portion  135  of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. A fourth telecommunication network  140  dedicates a fourth portion  145  of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. A first network connection  161  links the first telecommunication network  110  and the first portion  115  to the second telecommunication network  120  and the second portion  125 . A second network connection  162  links the second telecommunication network  120  and the second portion  125  to the third telecommunication network  130  and the third portion  135 . A third network connection  163  links the third telecommunication network  130  and the third portion  135  to the fourth telecommunication network  140  and the fourth portion  145 . A fourth network connection  164  links the fourth telecommunication network  140  and the fourth portion  145  to the first telecommunication network  110  and the first portion  115 . The first network connection  161 , the second network connection  162 , the third network connection  163 , and the fourth network connection  164  are means that allow a telecommunication network that may access the carrier virtual network to access portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. While the first network connection  161 , the second network connection  162 , the third network connection  163 , and the fourth network connection  164  may often be a high bandwidth optical fiber, any other type of connection, including wireless, may be used. It should be noted that multiple network connections and parts of the carrier virtual network itself may constitute a means for a telecommunication network to access a portion of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1  the first telecommunication network  110  may access the third portion  135  using the first network connection  161 , the second network connection  162 , and an appropriate connection formed through the second portion  125 . Further, it should be realized that more network connections than the four illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be employed, and that those network connections may connect any telecommunication network with access to the carrier virtual network to any portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     The first telecommunication network  110  and the portion  115  dedicated to the carrier virtual network are connected to a carrier virtual network system manager  150  through a first dedicated connection  112 . The second telecommunication network  120  and the second portion  125  dedicated to the carrier virtual network are connected to carrier virtual network system manager  150  through a second dedicated connection  122 . The third telecommunication network  130  and the third portion  135  dedicated to the carrier virtual network are connected to the carrier virtual network system manager  150  through a third dedicated connection  132 . The fourth telecommunication network  140  and the fourth portion  145  dedicated to the carrier virtual network are connected to the carrier virtual network system manager  150  through a fourth dedicated connection  142 . 
     The carrier virtual network system manager  150  maintains information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. For example, the carrier virtual network system manager  150  maintains information identifying the layer one resources of the first portion  115 , the second portion  125 , the third portion  135 , and the fourth portion  145 . As shall be described more fully below, the carrier virtual network system manager  150  interfaces with participating telecommunication networks to receive information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from networks dedicating those resources and to provide that information to the telecommunication networks that may access the carrier virtual network. Additional aspects of various embodiments of a carrier virtual network system manager  150  will be discussed below. A carrier virtual network may be established and maintained without the use of a carrier virtual network system manager  150  by, for example, directly exchanging information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network between telecommunication networks. If the carrier virtual network system manager  150  is omitted, the network system managers that manage each participating telecommunication network may transmit and receive information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. However, differences between the network system managers of different telecommunication networks may hamper the exchange of such information. Also, network system managers may not be designed to exchange such information. For these reasons, the use of a carrier virtual network system manager may facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a carrier virtual network. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the apparent network available to a user of the first telecommunication network  110  is illustrated. The customer wishing to utilize the resources of the first telecommunication network would, of course, have available to it the resources of the first telecommunication network  110 . However, because of the carrier virtual network the customer may receive services using the second portion  125  of the second telecommunication network  120 , the third portion  135  of the third telecommunication network  130 , and the fourth portion  145  of the fourth telecommunication network  140 . From the perspective of a customer using the first telecommunication network  110 , or for the first telecommunication service provider provisioning an order from a customer, the first telecommunication network  110  includes the additional layer one network resources made available to it via the carrier virtual network. The situation is similar for the second telecommunication network  120 , the third telecommunication network  130 , and the fourth telecommunication network  140 , each of which is able to expand its available resources to include the portions of the other telecommunication networks dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     In further reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , it should be understood that the first telecommunication network  110 , the second telecommunication network  120 , the third telecommunication network  130 , and the fourth telecommunication network  140  may be, at least in part, geographically coextensive. For example, any number of telecommunication networks involved in a carrier virtual network may serve a given market or geographical area. It should also be appreciated that  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate the present invention schematically at a high level. The specific layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network are not illustrated, and could include any layer one resources in a telecommunication network. For example, layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention may include, but are not limited to, telecommunication cable, telecommunication optical/electrical switches, telecommunication digital cross connect routers, and mobile telecommunication bandwidth. Of course, not every possible layer one resource need be included in any given carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one possible arrangement of telecommunication networks involved in a carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention is illustrated schematically. For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 3  illustrates a carrier virtual network with three participating telecommunication networks: a domestic telecommunication network  310 , an international telecommunication network  320 , and a third party telecommunication network  330 . The characterization of the participating telecommunication networks illustrated in  FIG. 3  as “domestic”, “international”, and “third party” are for illustrative purposes only and are immaterial to the formation of the carrier virtual network. The number and types of telecommunication networks involved in a carrier virtual network may vary from those described in conjunction with and illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The carrier virtual network system manager  350  receives, maintains, and provides information regarding which layer one resources are dedicated to the carrier virtual network. The carrier virtual network system manager  350  exchanges information regarding the layer one resources available with the network system managers of the participating telecommunication networks. A first dedicated connection  312  between carrier virtual network system manager  350  and the first network system manager  314  of the domestic network  310  allows for the exchange of information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. The first network system manager  314  may be a system of the type referred to in the art as an OSS or a BSS, as may the other network system managers discussed herein. One or more of the network system managers may also be a carrier virtual network application manager. A second dedicated connection  322  between carrier virtual network system manager  350  and the international network system manager  324  likewise allows for the exchange of information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. A third dedicated connection  332  between the third party network system manager  334  and the carrier virtual network system manager  350  likewise allows for the exchange of information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. The first dedicated connection  312 , second dedicated connection  322 , and third dedicated connection  332  may be web based connections. 
     The first network system manager  314  manages domestic network  310 . Domestic network  310  may connect to other networks, which may be networks accessed through domestic network  310 , such as domestic local network  317 , domestic local network  318 , and domestic local network  319 . A second network system manager  324  may manage international network  320 . Other networks may likewise be accessed through international network  320 , such as international local network  327 , international local network  328 , and international local network  329 . The third party network  330  may be domestic, international, or any other type of telecommunication network, and may be managed by the third network system manager  334 . Other networks may be accessed through third party network  330 , such as subnetwork  337 , subnetwork,  338 , and subnetwork  339 . 
     Dedicated connection  312  allows the first network system manager  314  and carrier virtual network system manager  350  to exchange information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, as well as which portions of international network  320  and third party network  330  have been dedicated to the carrier virtual network. First network system manager  314  can then access layer one resources of international network  320  and third party network  330  dedicated to the carrier virtual network for establishing a connection or provisioning a connection via network connection  361  and network connection  362 . The second network system manager  324  and the third party network system manager  334  likewise exchange information with the carrier virtual network system manager  350  regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual networks using the second dedicated connection  322  and the third dedicated connection  332  and use network connection  361  and network connection  362  to access layer one resources of other networks dedicated to the carrier virtual network to provision and establish connections. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , another possible arrangement of telecommunication networks participating in a carrier virtual network is illustrated schematically. A domestic network  410  may connect to other networks, which may be networks accessed through the domestic network  410 , such as domestic local network  417 , domestic local network  418 , and domestic local network  419 . A first network system manager  414  may manage domestic network  410 . A second network system manager  424  manages international network  420 . Other networks may be accessed through international network  420 , such as international local network  427 , international local network  428 , and international local network  429 . A third network system manager  434  may manage third party network  430 . Other networks may be accessed through third party network  430 , such as subnetwork  437 , subnetwork  438 , and subnetwork  439 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a first carrier virtual network interface  411  is interposed between carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the first network system manager  414 . Dedicated connection  412  allows the first carrier virtual network interface  411  to exchange information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network. Likewise, a second carrier virtual network interface  421  is interposed between carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the second network system manger  424 , and a third carrier virtual network interface  431  is interposed between the carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the third network system manager  434 . The second carrier virtual network interface  421  and the third carrier virtual network interface  431  exchange information with the carrier virtual network system manager  450  regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to carrier virtual networks using the second dedicated connection  422  and the third dedicated connection  432 . The third carrier virtual network interface  431 , second carrier virtual network interface  421 , and first carrier virtual network interface  411  provide an interface between the carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the respective network system manager  434 ,  424 ,  414  in the exchange of information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network. 
     The interoperability function provided by the interfaces  411 ,  421 ,  431  may be outsourced to the third parties as well, thus representing a separate logic element in the high level architecture shown in  FIG. 4 . The use of carrier virtual network interfaces  411 ,  421 ,  431  to provide an interface between the carrier virtual network system manager  450  and network system managers  414 ,  424 ,  434  that manage the participating telecommunication networks  410 ,  420 ,  430  can be useful for a variety of reasons. Differences in network system managers of different telecommunication networks, such as different protocols and different communication standards, may render direct connections between the carrier virtual network system manager and the network system managers difficult. The use of carrier virtual network interfaces between the carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the various network system managers  414 ,  424 ,  434  allows the carrier virtual network system manager  450  to operate in a standardized fashion, with individual carrier virtual network interfaces  411 ,  421 ,  431  converting information for exchange between the carrier virtual network system manager  450  and the network system managers  414 ,  424 ,  434 . In some instances, a network system manager  414 ,  424 ,  434  may be able to exchange information directly with the carrier virtual network system manager  450 , in which case a carrier virtual network interface  411 ,  421 ,  431  may be omitted. The function of the carrier virtual network interface  411 ,  421 ,  431  may also be performed by the carrier virtual network system manager  450  or the network system manager  414 ,  424 ,  434  of participating telecommunication networks  410 ,  420 ,  430 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another possible arrangement of telecommunication networks participating in a carrier virtual network in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The carrier virtual network system manager  550  may include within it the functionality of network system manager  552 , thereby eliminating the need for a separate network system manager as illustrated in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . The network system manager functionality  552  may be of any variety, such as an OSS/BSS, a legacy system manager or a different type of system manager. The carrier virtual network system manager  550  may include any number, including zero, network system manager functionalities of any number and combination of types. Furthermore, some participating telecommunication systems may be managed by network system manager functionality incorporated into the carrier virtual network system manager  550  while other participating telecommunication networks are managed by their own network system managers that exchange information with the carrier virtual network system manager  550 . 
     A first dedicated connection  522  links the carrier virtual network system manager  550  to a first carrier virtual network interface  523 . The first carrier virtual network interface  523  connects to a first network system manager  524 , which then connects to at least one element manager  526  that controls particular elements of the first network  520 , such as layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, for example element  521 . A second dedicated connection  532  connects the carrier virtual network system manager  550  to a second carrier virtual network interface  533 . The second carrier virtual network interface  533  connects to a second network system manager  534 , which then connects to at least one element manager  536  that controls particular elements of the second network  530 , such as layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, for example element  531 . Element  521  and element  531  may be any layer one resource dedicated to the carrier virtual network. The components and their arrangement shown in  FIG. 5  are illustrative only. Additional components beyond those shown in  FIG. 5  may be used, and components shown in  FIG. 5  may be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a domestic network  510  may access layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. Domestic network  510  connects to the carrier virtual network system manager  550  through dedicated connection  512  and is managed by the network system manager functionality  552  incorporated in the carrier virtual network system manager  550 . 
     An international network  540  may connect to the carrier virtual network system manager  550  through a first vendor network system manager  542 , a second vendor network system manager  543 , and a third vendor network system manager  544 . Each vendor network system manager may be used to manage equipment in the network  540  produced by that vendor. Accordingly, any number of vendor network managers may be used. The international network  540  may be managed as a whole by system manager functionality  552  of carrier virtual network system manager  550 , or separate management systems may be used. A portion of the layer one resources of the international network  540 , for example element  541 , may be dedicated to the carrier virtual network. Element  541  may be any layer one resource dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     A network connection  564  connects domestic network  510  to international network  540 , a network connection  562 , connects domestic network  510  to first telecommunication network  520 , and a network connection  563  connects domestic network  510  to the second telecommunication network  530 . Domestic network  510  may access the portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network such as element  521 , element  531 , and element  541  using network connection  562 , network connection  563 , and network connection  564  respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an example of the dedication of a layer one telecommunication resource to a carrier virtual network is illustrated. The layer one resource  600  may be any layer one resource used to provide telecommunication services, such as a high bandwidth optical fiber or other resource used in the transmission, optical, switching, and connection of telecommunication signals. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a single layer one resource may sometimes be dedicated to more than one carrier virtual network. A first portion  610  of the resource  600  may be reserved for a first use. For example, first portion  610  of resource  600  may be retained for the use of the telecommunication service provider that owns resource  600 , meaning that first portion  610  will not be available to a carrier virtual network. A second portion  620  may be dedicated to a first carrier virtual network. A third portion  630  may be dedicated to a second carrier virtual network, while a fourth portion  640  may be dedicated to a third carrier virtual network. The number of portions that a layer one resource  600  is divided into is immaterial to the present invention. A layer one resource  600  may be dedicated in its entirety to a single carrier virtual network, it may be split in any technically feasible proportion between the owner of the resource  600  and a carrier virtual network, it may be split among multiple carrier virtual networks, or it may be split between carrier virtual networks and other uses. Some layer one resources may be capable of any number of divisions, while other layer one resources, such as a digital access cross-connect system (“DACS”) with a finite, integral number of available ports, may be divisible only within certain parameters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the allocation of ports of a particular resource, in this case a DACS  700 , is illustrated. The DACS  700  includes a finite integral number of ports, such as port  750 . A first portion  701  of the DACS  700  is dedicated to a first carrier virtual network. A second portion  702  of the DACS  700  is dedicated to a second carrier virtual network, and third portion  703  of the DACS  700  is dedicated to a third carrier virtual network. The telecommunication networks with access to the carrier virtual networks to which portions of the DACS  700  are dedicated may receive information regarding the DACS  700  in a variety of ways, such as the use of dedicated connections and a carrier virtual network system manager as described above. To the first carrier virtual network the DACS  700  appears to be a single DACS  710  with the ports  715  available to the first carrier virtual network. To the second carrier virtual network the DACS  700  appears to be a DACS  720  with the ports  725  allocated to the second carrier virtual network. To the third carrier virtual network the DACS  700  appears to be a DACS  730  with only the port  735  allocated to it. In each case, the ports allocated to a given carrier virtual-network would appear as resources available to users of that carrier virtual network. As discussed above, this facilitates the provisioning of customer requests and the establishment of customer requested services. While  FIG. 7  illustrates specific ports being allocated to the carrier virtual networks, it should be appreciated that in actual practice the ports allocated to a carrier virtual network may not be contiguous and, in fact, may not be constant, instead referring to a particular number of ports on a particular device that are dedicated to a carrier virtual network, not particular and individual ports within that device that are dedicated to a carrier virtual network. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the allocation of layer one resources to a carrier virtual network  800  is illustrated. A first network  810  and a second network  820  are linked by network connection  861 . While not illustrated in  FIG. 8 , suitable means to exchange information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network, such as a carrier virtual network system manager and dedicated connections, may be used to identify the layer one resources of the second network  820  dedicated to the carrier virtual network to the first telecommunication network  810 . Layer one telecommunication resources of the second network  820  may be dedicated in varying proportions to the carrier virtual network. For example, connection  831 , connection  832 , connection  833 , connection  840 , and connection  845  may be dedicated to the carrier virtual network at a first level of access. Ports on nodes, including ports on node  822 , node  823 , and node  830  may likewise be dedicated to the carrier virtual network at a first level of access. The first level of access may be, for example, a minimum available bandwidth. Other layer one resources may be dedicated to the carrier virtual network at a second level of access, for example connection  835 , connection  838 , connection  842 , connection  843 , connection  844 , as well as ports on node  824 , node  826 , and node  828 . The second level of access may be, for example, a second minimum available bandwidth. Additional layer one resources may be dedicated to the carrier virtual network at a third level of access, for example connection  834 , connection  841 , connection  846 , connection  848 , as well as ports on node  821 , node  825 , node  827 , and node  829 . The third level of access may be, for example, a third minimum available bandwidth. Not all layer one resources of the second network  820  need be dedicated to the carrier virtual network. Examples of layer one resources not dedicated to the carrier virtual network, may be, for example connection  836 , connection  837 , connection  839  and connection  847 . Layer one resources of the second network  820  that are not dedicated to the carrier virtual network are not accessible to the first network  810  through the carrier virtual network for purposes such as establishing a connection for a customer or provisioning a customer request. Layer one resources of the second network  820  that are dedicated to the carrier virtual network are accessible to the first telecommunication network  810  for purposes such as establishing a customer connection and, provisioning a customer request. It should be further noted that layer one resources within the first network  810  may be likewise dedicated to a carrier virtual network that may be accessed by the second network  820 , although that is not illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the apparent network available to a user of the first telecommunication network  810  incorporating the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second network  820  is illustrated. To a customer accessing the first network  810 , the network capabilities available now extend to the extent of the apparent network  910 , which includes the first network  810  and the portion of layer resources allocated to the carrier virtual network from the second network  820  to the level of access each resource is dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , four telecommunication networks participating in three carrier virtual networks are illustrated. A first network  1010 , a second network  1020 , and a third network  1030  each has access to portions of the layer one resources of a fourth telecommunication network  1040  in carrier virtual network arrangement. It should be understood that the first network  1010 , the second network  1020 , and the third network  1030  may dedicate portions of their layer one resources to one or more carrier virtual networks as well, although that is not illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     Within the fourth network  1040  a first portion of layer one resources may be dedicated to a first carrier virtual network accessible by the first telecommunication network  1010 . The first portion may comprise ports on node  1021 , node  1023 , node  1025 , node  1027  as well as connection  1036 , connection  1037 , and connection  1040 . The first telecommunication network  1010  may access the first portion of layer one resources dedicated to the first carrier virtual network using network connection  1011 . 
     Within the fourth network  1040  a second portion of layer one resources may be dedicated to a second carrier virtual network accessible by the second telecommunication network  1020 . The second portion may comprise ports on node  1023 , node  1024 , node  1025 , node  1026 , node  1027 , node  1029  as well as connection  1033 , connection  1038 , connection  1040 , connection  1041 , and connection  1048 . The second telecommunication network  1020  may access the second portion of layer one resources dedicated to the second carrier virtual network using network connection  1012 . 
     Within the fourth network  1040  a third portion of layer one resources may be dedicated to a third carrier virtual network accessible by the third telecommunication network  1030 . The third portion may comprise ports on node  1021 , node  1022 , node  1023 , node  1024 , node  1026 , node  1027 , node  1028 , node  1029 , node  1030  as well as connection  1031 , connection  1032 , connection  1035 , connection  1039 , connection  1040 , connection  1044 , connection  1045 , and connection  1046 . The third telecommunication network  1030  may access the third portion of layer one resources dedicated to the third carrier virtual network using network connection  1013 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the resulting apparent networks from the dedication of resources from the fourth network  1040  to the carrier virtual networks as illustrated in  FIG. 10  are shown in greater detail. The first apparent network  1110  extends to both the first network  1010  and the first portion of layer one resources from the fourth network  1040  dedicated to the first carrier virtual network. The second apparent network  1120  extends to both the second network  1020  and the second portion of layer one resources of the fourth network  1040  dedicated to the second carrier virtual network. The third apparent network  1130  extends to both the third network  1030  and the third portion of layer one resources of the fourth network  1040  dedicated to the third carrier virtual network. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , four telecommunication networks participating in one carrier virtual network accessible to a single telecommunication network is illustrated. A first telecommunication network  1210  is connected to a second telecommunication network  1220  by network connection  1212 , a third telecommunication network  1230  by network connection  1213 , and a fourth telecommunication network  1240  by network connection  1214 . The second network  1220 , the third network  1230 , and the fourth network  1240  each dedicates a portion of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network accessible by the first network. The second telecommunication network  1220  may dedicate a first portion of layer one resources comprising, for example, ports on node  1241 , node  1242 , node  1243 , node  1244 , node  1246 , node  1247  as well as connection  1248 , connection  1249 , connection  1253 , connection  1256 , and connection  1257  to the carrier virtual network. The first telecommunication network may access the first portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network using network connection  1212 . The third telecommunication network may dedicate a second portion of layer one resources comprising, for example, ports on node  1261 , node  1262 , node  1263 , node  1264 , node  1265 , node  1266 , node  1267  as well as connection  1268 , connection  1269 , connection  1271 , connection  1273 , connection  1274 , connection  1276 , and connection  1279  to the carrier virtual network. The first telecommunication network may access the second portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network using network connection  1213 . The fourth telecommunication network  1240  may dedicate a third portion of layer one resources comprising, for example, ports on node  1281 , node  1283 , node  1284 , node  1285 , node  1286 , node  1287  as well as connection  1290 , connection  1291 , connection  1294 , connection  1295 , connection  1296 , and connection  1299  to the carrier virtual network. The first telecommunication network may access the third portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the fourth telecommunication network  1240  using network connection  1214 . The portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network by the second telecommunication network  1220 , the third telecommunication network  1230  and the fourth telecommunication network  1240  are available to the first telecommunication network  1210  as if they were part of the first telecommunication network  1210 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the apparent first telecommunication network  1310  available to a user of the first telecommunication network  1210  as a result of the dedication of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. The resources available to the apparent first telecommunication network  1310  extends to the first telecommunication network  1210 , the first portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  1210 , the second portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  1230 , and the third portion of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the fourth telecommunication network  1240 . 
     It should be appreciated that in  FIGS. 8-13  the means for exchanging information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network are not shown. The means for exchanging information may utilize a carrier virtual network system manager, possibly in combination with one or more carrier virtual network interfaces. If used, the carrier virtual network system manager may exchange information with the network system managers of participating telecommunication networks. If used, the carrier virtual network system manager may perform the function of a network system manager for some or all of the participating telecommunication networks. If no carrier virtual network system manager is used, the network system managers of participating telecommunication networks may directly exchange information using dedicated connections, network connections, or other means. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , one possible embodiment of a carrier virtual network system manager  1450  is illustrated. The carrier virtual network system manager  1450  includes a means  1455  for maintaining information regarding layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network. Means  1455  may comprise a suitable data base, electronic records, or other suitable means for maintaining and, optionally, updating information regarding the identity of portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network. Means  1455  may also retain information regarding participating telecommunication networks, particularly as to which participating telecommunication networks may access which carrier virtual networks maintained by the carrier virtual network system manager  1450 . Means  1455  may be any type of computer readable or machine readable media with instructions to perform the method illustrated and described herein. One suitable use of machine readable media with a UNIX or Linux server is in conjunction with Java programming language. 
     The carrier virtual network system manager  1450  may further contain a first interface means  1410  for interfacing with a first telecommunication network  1460 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , first interface means  1410  connects to a dedicated connection  1412 , which connects the first telecommunication network  1460  and its first network system manager  1461  to the first interface means  1410  of the carrier virtual network system manager  1450 . First interface means  1410  allows means  1455  to exchange information with the system manager  1461 . 
     The carrier virtual network system manager  1450  may further contain a second interface means  1420 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the second interface means  1420  connects to a dedicated connection  1422  that connects the carrier virtual network system manager  1450  to a second network  1470 . Dedicated connection  1422  connects the second interface means  1420  to a carrier virtual network interface  1472 , which then connects to the second telecommunication system network manager  1471 . Second interface means  1420  allows means  1455  to exchange information with the carrier virtual network interface  1472  and the system manager  1471 . It should be noted that the carrier virtual network interface  1472 , which is described in more detail above, may be omitted. 
     In further reference to  FIG. 14 , it should be appreciated that further interface means may be included in the carrier virtual network system manager  1450  to establish connections with additional participating telecommunication networks. For the sake of simplicity of illustration, only two participating telecommunication networks, a first telecommunication network  1460  and a second telecommunication network  1470 , are illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , one alternative embodiment of a carrier virtual network system manager  1550  is illustrated. A carrier virtual network system manager  1550  may contain a means  1555  for maintaining information regarding the layer, one resource dedicated to a carrier virtual network, and operates as described above with regard to means  1455 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the carrier virtual network system manager  1550  further comprises within it system manager functionality  1510  that manages the dedicated resources of first telecommunication network  1560  through connection  1512 . The carrier virtual network system manager  1550  further includes within it a carrier virtual network interface  1520  that connects to the network system manager  1571  of a second telecommunication network  1570  via dedicated connection  1522 . As with  FIG. 14 , it should be appreciated that additional connections to participating; telecommunication networks may be made beyond those illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     In considering both  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , it should be appreciated that numerous variations can be made to a carrier virtual network system manager in accordance with the present invention beyond that illustrated. Functional capabilities such as system management and carrier virtual network interface functions may be optionally contained within the carrier virtual network system manager, or the carrier virtual network system manager may connect to external functional elements, or a combination thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the flow of data into and out of a carrier virtual network system manager  1650  is illustrated. Information  1610  enters into the carrier virtual network system manager  1650  regarding the identity of layer one resource dedicated to carrier virtual network. Information  1610  will originate from participating telecommunication networks that are dedicating layer one resources to a carrier virtual network. Information  1610  may originate, more specifically, from the network system managers of participating networks that are dedicating layer one resources to a carrier virtual network. If the carrier virtual network system manager  1650  is performing network system management functions for a telecommunication network, the information  1610  may be generated internal to the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . Not all telecommunication networks participating in a carrier virtual network may provide information  1610 , as a telecommunication network that is accessing a carrier virtual network only, not dedicating layer one telecommunication resources to a carrier virtual network, will not provide information  1610 . 
     Information  1620  is outputted from the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . Information  1620  serves to identify the layer one telecommunication resources dedicated to a given carrier virtual network. Information  1620  may be outputted to the telecommunication networks that may access a given carrier virtual network. While information  1620  could be outputted to all participating telecommunication networks, information  1620  may be appropriately transmitted only to participating telecommunication networks that may access a given carrier virtual network. In this fashion, each participating telecommunication network that may access a carrier virtual network will receive information  1620  only regarding those layer one telecommunication resources that are dedicated to a carrier virtual network that that particular participating telecommunication network may access. Information regarding layer one telecommunication resource dedicated to a carrier virtual network that may not be accessed by a particular participating telecommunication network need not be included in information  1620  outputted to that telecommunication network. If the network system manager function for a particular participating telecommunication network is being performed by the carrier virtual network system manager  1650  the process of outputting information  1620  would involve providing the information  1620  to that functional aspect of the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . 
     In further reference to  FIG. 16 , it should be appreciated that a single carrier virtual network system manager  1650  may be used to establish and maintain any number of carrier virtual networks involving any number of participating telecommunication networks. In such a scenario, not all telecommunication networks participating in a carrier virtual network need participate in all carrier virtual networks. The carrier virtual network system manager  1650  may maintain an appropriate record of which telecommunication networks are participating in which carrier virtual network, which may comprise whether a given telecommunication network has dedicated resources to a given carrier virtual network and whether a given telecommunication network may access a given carrier virtual network. If a participating telecommunication network dedicates layer one resource to a carrier virtual network it will input information  1610  to the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . If a participating telecommunication network may access a carrier virtual network, it will receive information  1620  from the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . If a participating telecommunication network both dedicates layer one resources to a carrier virtual network and may access a carrier virtual network, that participating telecommunication network will both input information  1610  and receive information  1620  with the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . 
     The information  1610 ,  1620 , exchanged using the carrier virtual network system manager  1650  should be sufficient to identify the layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network and may, optionally, include information regarding which carrier virtual network each layer one resource is dedicated to and the level of access for each resource. Communication protocols and standards to identify layer one resources have been developed and are employed by various telecommunication network system managers. A currently accepted standard may be used, or a specialized standard may be developed and implemented for the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . It should be recalled that carrier virtual network interfaces may be used to convert between standards used by various telecommunication network system managers and the standard employed by the carrier virtual network system manager  1650 . It should be further recalled that the carrier virtual network interface may be included within the carrier virtual network system manager  1650  or may be external to it. The use of a carrier virtual network system manager  1650  and appropriate carrier virtual network interfaces facilitates the establishment of a carrier virtual network by overcoming difficulties in identifying layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network that may arise due to differing protocols and standards used in various system managers. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a method  1700  for establishing a carrier virtual network is illustrated. In step  1710  a portion of layer one resources are dedicated to a carrier virtual network. Step  1710  may be repeated any number of times to dedicate multiple portions of layer one resources to a single carrier virtual network, to dedicate multiple portions of layer one resources to multiple carrier virtual networks, or both. In step  1720  information is exchanged regarding a portion of layer one resources dedicated to carrier virtual networks. The exchange of information in step  1720  may utilize a carrier virtual network system manger, or may occur directly between the network system managers of participating telecommunication networks. In step  1730  the portion layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network are accessed. The step  1730  of accessing layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network may utilize a network connection between participating telecommunication networks. 
     Referring now, to  FIG. 18 , an example of another method  1800  of establishing a carrier virtual network is illustrated. In step  1810  a carrier virtual network system manager, some embodiments of which are described more fully above, is established. In step  1820  the participating telecommunication networks are connected to the carrier virtual network system manager. The way in which participating telecommunication networks are connected to the carrier virtual network system manager may vary. Acceptable connections may be, for example, web based connections, dedicated connections, wireless connections, and some combination of these. In step  1830 , portions of the layer one resources of participating telecommunication networks are dedicated to carrier virtual networks. In step  1840 , information regarding the portions of layer one resources dedicated to carrier virtual networks is input into the carrier virtual network system manager. In step  1850 , information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to carrier virtual network is output from the carrier virtual network system manager. It should be recalled that while step  1850  may involve the carrier virtual network system manager providing information to all participating telecommunication networks, it may also appropriately involve the carrier virtual network system manager providing information identifying the portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network only to those participating telecommunication networks that may access the carrier virtual networks. In step  1860 , the portions of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network are accessed by telecommunication networks that may access the given carrier virtual network. It should be recalled that a network connection may be used to perform step  1860 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an inversed multiplexed connection using layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network is illustrated. A first telecommunication network  1910 , which may also be thought of as an accessing telecommunication network, is managed by a management system  1911 . The management system  1911  of the first telecommunication network  1910  connects to the carrier virtual network manager  1950  through a carrier virtual network interface  1914  and a dedicated connection  1912 . It should be recalled that a carrier virtual network interface  1914  may be omitted, in which case dedicated connection  1912  will directly connect the carrier virtual network manager  1950  and the management system  1911  of the first telecommunication network  1910 . 
     A network connection  1961  connects the accessing telecommunication network  1910  to a portion of layer one resources  1925  dedicated to the carrier virtual network. A portion of layer one resources  1925  is dedicated to the carrier virtual network from a second telecommunication network  1920 . The second telecommunication network  1920  may also be referred to as a dedicating telecommunication network. It should be appreciated that the second telecommunication network  1920  may be thought of as a dedicating network in system  1900 , as it dedicates a portion  1925  of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. Likewise, other dedicating telecommunication networks described herein may also be accessing telecommunication networks, and accessing telecommunication networks may also be dedicating telecommunication networks. However, the second telecommunication network  1920  may also function as an accessing network in other carrier virtual network arrangements, which are not illustrated in  FIG. 19 . A management system,  1921  directly manages the second telecommunication network  1920 , including the portion  1925  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. It should be recalled, however, that the management system  1911  of the accessing telecommunication network may indirectly manage the portion  1925  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicating telecommunication network  1920  as described herein. Management system  1921  connects to the carrier virtual network management system  1950  through a carrier virtual network interface  1924  and a dedicated connection  1922 . It should be recalled that the carrier virtual network interface  1924  may be omitted, in which case dedicated connection  1922  would directly connect carrier virtual network system manager  1950  and the management system  1921  of the second telecommunication network  1920 . 
     A network connection  1962  connects to a further portion of layer one resources  1935  dedicated to the carrier virtual network. Further portion  1935  of layer one resources are dedicated to the carrier virtual network from a third telecommunication network  1930 . The third telecommunication network  1930  may also be thought of as a dedicating telecommunication network, as it dedicates a portion  1935  of layer one resources to the carrier virtual network. It should be further recalled that the third telecommunication network  1930  may also function as an accessing telecommunication network in a separate carrier virtual network arrangement, not illustrated. The third telecommunication network  1930 , including the portion  1935  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, are directly managed by the work management system  1931  of the third telecommunication  1930 . It should be realized that the network management system  1911  of the accessing telecommunication network  1910  indirectly manages the portion  1935  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicating telecommunication network  1930  as described herein. Network system manager  1931  connects to the carrier virtual network system manager  1950  through a carrier virtual network interface  1934  at a dedicated connection  1932 . It should be recalled that the carrier virtual network interface  1934  may be omitted, in which case dedicated connection  1932  will directly connect the carrier virtual network manager  1950  and the network management system  1931  of the third telecommunication network  1930 . 
     The system  1900  illustrated in  FIG. 19  is particularly useful for aggregating a plurality of links into a higher bandwidth connection to a termination point  1970 , which may be, for example, a customer location. System  1900  aggregates links to establish a logically unitary high bandwidth connection without regard to whether the component links of the high bandwidth connection utilize layer one resources of the accessing telecommunication network  1910 , a first dedicating telecommunication network  1920 , or a second dedicating telecommunication network  1930 . While only a first dedicating telecommunication network  1920  and a second dedicating telecommunication network  1930  are illustrated in  FIG. 19 , it should be appreciated that any number of dedicating telecommunication networks may be used in system  1900 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , a first link  1971  connects to termination point  1970  using layer one resources included in the portion  1935  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  1930 . A second link  1972  connects to the termination point  1970  using layer one resources from the portion  1935  of the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  1930 . A third link  1973  may connect to the termination point  1970  using layer one resources from the portion  1925  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  1920 . A fourth link  1974  may connect to termination point  1970  using layer one resources from the portion  1925  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  1920 . It should be appreciated that the plurality of links aggregated in accordance with the present invention may be more or less than the four illustrated in  FIG. 19 . At the termination point  1970  an aggregator  1975  may aggregate the plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection  1976 . The high bandwidth connection  1976  may terminate in an output device  1977 , which may be a modem or other suitable device. While aggregator  1975  aggregates the plurality of links at the termination point, the carrier virtual network system manager  1950  logically aggregates the links within the carrier virtual network. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , an alternative aggregated connection using the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , system  2000  will provide the same connectivity to the user by using different links to aggregate into a high bandwidth connection  2076 . A first telecommunication network  2010 , that may also be thought of as an accessing telecommunication network, is managed by a management, system  2011 . Management system  2011  connects to a carrier virtual network system manager  2050  through a carrier virtual network interface  2014  and a dedicated connection  2012 . If carrier virtual network interface  2014  is omitted, dedicated connection  2012  directly connects management system  2011  to carrier virtual network system manager  2050 . 
     A network connection  2061  connects the accessing telecommunication network  2010  to a portion  2025  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from a dedicating telecommunication network  2020 . Dedicating telecommunication network  2020  may also be referred to as the second telecommunication network. The layer one resources of the second telecommunication network  2020 , including the portion  2025  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, is directly managed by a management system  2021 . It should be recalled that the management system  2011  of the first telecommunication network  2010  indirectly manages the portion  2025  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  2020  in accordance with the present invention. The management system  2021  connects to the carrier virtual network system manager  2050  through a carrier virtual network interface  2024  and a dedicated connection  2022 . If carrier virtual network interface  2024  is omitted, dedicated connection  2022  may directly connect management system  2021  to carrier virtual network system manager  2050 . 
     Network connection  2062  connects accessing telecommunication network  2010  to further portion  2035  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from another dedicating network  2030 . This dedicating network  2030  may also be referred to as the third telecommunication network. A network management system  2031  directly manages the layer one resources of the third telecommunication network  2030 , including the portion  2035  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network. It should be recalled that management system  2011  indirectly manages the portion  2035  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  2030  in accordance with the present invention. Management system  2031  connects to the carrier virtual network system manager  2050  through a carrier virtual network interface  2034  and a dedicated connection  2032 . If carrier virtual network interface  2034  is omitted, dedicated connection  2032  may directly connect management system  2031  to the carrier virtual network system manager  2050 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , a plurality of links may be aggregated to form a single high bandwidth connection  2076 . The first link  2071 , the second link  2072 , the third link  2073  and the fourth link  2074  all connect to termination point  2070  using layer one resources from the portion  2025  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  2020 . Aggregator  2075  at termination point  2070  aggregates the plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection  2076 . High bandwidth connection  2076  may terminate with an appropriate output device  2077 , such as a modem. Aggregator  2075  functions to aggregate the plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection  2076  at the termination point  2070 . Carrier virtual network system manager  2050  serves to logically aggregate the plurality of links in the carrier virtual network. 
     It should be appreciated that to a customer at termination point  2070  the connection aggregated from a plurality of links will appear identical regardless as to whether system  1900  illustrated in  FIG. 19  or system  2000  illustrated in  FIG. 20  are implemented. In fact, as further illustrated and described below, the plurality of links aggregated into a high bandwidth connection may vary in accordance with the present invention due to network demands or impairments without the customer experiencing a change in service. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a system  2100  in accordance with the present invention wherein the plurality of links aggregated into a high bandwidth connection  2176  may vary over time. As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a first telecommunication network  2110 , which may also be referred to as an accessing in telecommunication network, is managed by a management system  2111 . Management system  2111  connects to a carrier virtual network system manager  2150  through a carrier virtual network interface  2114  and a dedicated connection  2112 . If carrier virtual network interface  2114  is omitted, dedicated connection  2112  may directly connect management system  2111  to carrier virtual network system manager  2150 . Network connection  2161  connects to layer one resources of the accessing telecommunication network  2110  to a portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from a dedicating telecommunication network  2120 . Dedicating telecommunication network  2120  may also be referred to as the second telecommunication network. The layer one resources of the second telecommunication network  2120 , including portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, are directly managed by management system  2121 . It should be recalled that portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network are indirectly managed by management system  2111  in accordance with the present invention. Management system  2121  connects to the carrier virtual network system manager  2150  through carrier virtual network interface  2124  and dedicated connection  2122 . If carrier virtual network interface  2124  is omitted, dedicated connection  2122  may directly connect carrier virtual network system manager  2150  to management system  2121 . 
     Network connection  2162  may connect the layer one resources of the accessing telecommunication network  2110  to a portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from a dedicating telecommunication network  2130 . Dedicating telecommunication network  2130  may also be referred to as the third telecommunication network. The layer one resources of the third telecommunication network  2130 , including the portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network, are directly managed by management system  2131 . It should be recalled that the portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network are indirectly managed by management system  2111  in accordance with the present invention. Management system  2131  connects to carrier virtual network manager  2150  through carrier virtual network interface  2134  and dedicated connection  2132 . If carrier virtual network interface  2134  is omitted, dedicated connection  2132  may directly connect carrier virtual network system manager  2150  and management system  2131 . 
     In accordance with system  2100 , a plurality of lengths and a plurality of alternative links may be used to provide a single high bandwidth connection  2176  at termination point  2170 . Once again, termination  2170  may be a customer&#39;s premises. As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a first link  2171  and a second link  2172  may connect to termination point  2170  using layer one resources from the portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  2130 . The third link  2173  and the fourth link  2174  may connect to termination point  2170  using layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  2120 . An aggregator  2175  aggregates the plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection  2176 . High bandwidth connection  2176  may terminate an output device  2177 , such as a modem. Carrier virtual network system manager  2150  logically aggregates the plurality of links in the carrier virtual network. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a plurality of alternative links may be identified for use in the event one or more of the plurality of links originally aggregated to form a single high bandwidth connection  2176  becomes impaired, for any reason unavailable, or for any reason unable to be satisfactorily used. As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a first alternative link  2185  and a second alternative link  2186  may connect to termination point  2170  using the layer one resources of portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication  2130 . Likewise, a third alternative link  2187  and a fourth alternative link  2188  may connect to termination point  2170  using layer one resources from portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  2120 . If a link being aggregated into a single high bandwidth connection  2176  becomes impaired, such as, for example, the third link  2173 , an alternative link may be included in the aggregate to maintain the bandwidth of the high bandwidth connection  2176 . For example, the first alternative link  2185  may be placed into service and aggregated by aggregator  2175  at the termination point  2170  and logically aggregated by carrier virtual network system manager  2150  in the carrier virtual network. In this fashion, the standard of service experience by a customer at termination point  2170  is uninterrupted and undiminished. As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , depending upon which alternative of the plurality of links fall out of use and which of the alternative links are used, the plurality of links may utilize layer one resources from both portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  2130  and layer one resources from portion  2125  dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication network  2120 . Likewise, the plurality of links aggregated into a single high bandwidth connection  2176  may all utilize the layer one resources from portion  2135  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the third telecommunication network  2130 , where the plurality of links aggregated into a single high bandwidth connection  2176  may all utilize the layer one resources of portion  2125  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the second telecommunication  2120 . It should, of course, be further realized that the number of dedicated telecommunication networks utilized in accordance with the present invention may greatly exceed the two dedicating telecommunication networks illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Regardless as to the telecommunication network dedicating the layer one resources utilized in a link in the aggregate or an alternative link in the aggregate, the customer at termination point  2170  experiences the same level of services. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , a method  2200  for aggregating a plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection is illustrated. In step  2210 , a virtual network is established. In step  2220  links in the carrier virtual network are identified that may be combined to meet the service requirements. The service requirements met in step  2220  may be, for example, the service requirements imposed in a service level agreement with a customer for matters such as latency, total bandwidth, reliability, and other criteria. In step  2230  alternative links are identified for use in the event of link impairment. It should be understood that the links identified in the carrier virtual network in step  2220  and step  2230  may utilize layer one resources dedicated from any dedicating telecommunication network or form the accessing telecommunication network itself. In step  2240  the links are aggregated at the termination point. The termination point may be a customer&#39;s premises. Step  2240  may be performed using any suitable aggregator, such as those presently available commercially. In step  2250  the plurality of links are logically aggregated using the carrier virtual network system manager. In performing step  2250  the carrier virtual network system manager may provision each of the plurality of links to establish the connection and manage that connection overall. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a method  2300  for reprovisioning one or more links in a carrier virtual network to aggregate a plurality of links into a single high bandwidth connection is illustrated. Method  2300  begins when an impairment alert is received in step  2310 . An impairment alert received in step  2310  may be a complete link failure, such as would be due to a fiber cut or equipment failure, or may be a result of link overload or any other event. In step  2320  alternative connections that meet service level requirements are identified. Step  2320  may require exchanging an alternative link for the impaired link. Step  2320  may be more complicated, however, if no one alternative link exists that will fulfill the service level requirements if substituted for the impaired link. In such a case, the impairment of a single link in an aggregated connection may require the reprovisioning of multiple, or even all, links in an aggregate connection. It should be understood that step  2320  may be performed in conjunction with step  2230  of method  2200 . Method  2300  concludes with the reprovisioning of the links in the aggregate connection in step  2330 . 
     Carrier virtual network systems in accordance with the present invention may be utilized to dynamically meet the latency requirements of a service level agreement, whether or not links are aggregated into a high bandwidth connection. Latency refers to the delay time associated with transmitting information over a connection. Several factors contribute to the latency of a connection. The physical length of the connection may be one component of a connection&#39;s latency. Equipment used to establish a connection, such as switches and routers, also contribute to the latency of the connection. The interfaces along the connection, for example between a portion of layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network and the accessing telecommunication network, can also contribute to the latency of a connection. To determine the total latency of a connection, the component latencies of the connection may be summed. Problematically, latency is often a dynamic quantity. Usage of a telecommunication network may impact the latency of a particular connection. For example, if usage is high, a large amount of traffic may be utilizing the transmission media and equipment of a particular connection, thereby delaying the transmission of information along that connection and increasing the overall latency of the connection. Excessive latency can drastically impair, or entirely defeat, a number of telecommunication applications. Therefore latency requirements are a typical component of service level agreements between a telecommunication service provider and its customers. Meeting the latency requirements is a high priority for a telecommunication service provider. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 , a portion of a carrier virtual network implementing dynamic latency reprovisioning is illustrated. As illustrated in both  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 , a carrier virtual network  2400  may comprise at least a first portion of layer one resources  2410  dedicated from one dedicating telecommunication network and may further comprise a second portion  2450  of layer one resources dedicated from a second dedicating telecommunication network. The first portion  2410  and the second portion  2450  may be connected by a network connection  2403 . The layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400  in the first portion  2410  may comprise link  2421 , link  2422 , link  2423 , link  2424 , link  2425 , link  2426 , link  2427 , link  2428 , link  2429 , and link  2430 . The layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400  in the second portion  2450  may comprise link  2461 , link  2462 , link  2465 , link  2468 , link  2469 , and link  2470 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 , an accessing telecommunication network may form a connection through the carrier virtual network  2400  to a termination point  2510 , which may be a customer location. Often within the telecommunication industry, such a connection must be made within certain parameters, such as total latency. 
     The first portion  2410  may be directly managed by network system manager  2415  via management connection  2417 . Management system  2415  may include a latency database  2416  that maintains dynamic latency information regarding the elements of the dedicating telecommunication network, including the layer one resources included in first portion  2410 . Dedicated connection  2401  connects the management system  2415  to the carrier virtual network system manager  2550 . A carrier virtual network interface may also be used. 
     Carrier virtual network system manager  2550  may include a carrier virtual network latency database  2556  that may receive latency information via dedicated connection  2401  from the latency database  2416  of the network management system  2415  regarding the layer one resources in portion  2410  dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     The second portion  2450  of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400  may be directly managed by network system manager  2455 , which may include a dynamic latency database  2456  that maintains dynamic latency information regarding the layer one resources of the dedicating telecommunication network, including the layer one resources included in portion  2450 . Dedicated connection  2402  may link network system manager  2455  to carrier virtual network system manager  2550 . A carrier virtual network interface may also be used. Carrier virtual network latency database  2556  may receive dynamic latency information from latency database  2456  regarding the layer one resources included in portion  2450  dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400 . 
     Accessing telecommunication network system manager  2405  may also maintain a latency database  2406 . Dedicated connection  2407  may connect accessing telecommunication network management system  2405  to carrier virtual network system manager  2550 . Dynamic latency database  2406  may be included in network management system  2405  and may maintain dynamic latency information regarding the available layer one resources of the accessing telecommunication network, as well as dynamic latency information regarding portions of layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400  from dedicating telecommunication networks. 
     The provisioning of a network connection, such as a connection to termination point  2510 , may be performed either by the accessing telecommunication network management system  2405  or the carrier virtual network system manager  2550  to identify and establish an acceptable connection. An acceptable connection may be, for example, the lowest cost connection that meets with the service level requirements of the telecommunication service order. A portion of one such possible connection is illustrated in a solid line in  FIG. 24 . Such a connection may comprise link  2421 , link  2422 , link  2429 , link  2428 , network connection  2403 , link  2465 , and link  2470 . Such a connection may not necessarily be the possible connection with the lowest attainable latency. Rather, the connection may be the lowest cost connection that complies with the operational requirements, such as total latency. For example, using link  2425  and link  2430  in the first portion  2410  of layer one resources may be higher cost but may also have less latency than using link  2421 , link  2422 , link  2429 , and link  2428 , but so long as the entire connection meets overall operational requirements, the connection may be acceptable. 
     However, the connection illustrated in  FIG. 24  may not continue to comply with the operating parameters required for an acceptable connection, such as the service level agreement requirements for total latency. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 25 , an impairment  2501  may interfere with the operation of one or more links in the connection. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , impairment  2501 , such as an overload that increases the latency beyond acceptable limits, interferes with the operation of link  2465 , thereby rendering the connection illustrated in  FIG. 24  unacceptable. Impairment  2501  may also be, for example, an equipment failure or a link cut. In accordance with the present invention, the connection may be reprovisioned using other layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2400  as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the connection has been reprovisioned to utilize link  2425 , link  2430 , network connection  2403 , link  2461 , link  2462 , and link  2470 . Reprovisioning the connection around impairment  2501 , for example by diverting the connection off of link  2465  to the combination of links  2461  and link  2462 , may increase the latency of the total connection if other adjustments to lower latency are not made. As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the routing of connection for the first portion  2410  has been changed to reduce latency, using link  2425  and link  2430  rather than link  2421 , link  2422 , link  2429  and link  2428 . 
     It should be noted that the provisioning and reprovisioning of a connection to dynamically comply with operational requirements such as latency will often be considerably more complex than illustrated in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25 . For example, layer one resources available to the accessing telecommunication network may be included in the connection before reprovisioning, after reprovisioning, or both. Furthermore, layer one resources from additional dedicating telecommunication networks beyond the two illustrated in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  may be employed. However,  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 25  illustrate one example of the use of the present invention to dynamically reprovisioning connections using a carrier virtual network to comply with the latency requirements of a service level agreement. 
     In accordance with the present invention, the dynamic latency databases may include information regarding the latency of the links in the first portion  2410 , the second portion  2450 , the network connection  2403 , and any other layer one resources included in the connection to termination point  2510 . These latencies are then summed in attempting to identify a connection to provision and, if that total latency sum is below the maximum allowed in the service level agreement, the connection may be made. If multiple connections may be made that comply with the service level agreement latency requirements, the connection may be selected based on other criteria, such as being the lowest cost to provide. The cost of a connection may be determined in a variety of ways, such as using weights assigned to the component of the connection by network engineers. When an impairment of any type occurs that causes a connection to exceed the latency requirements of a service level agreement, the connection may be dynamically reprovisioned to identify another connection that complies with those latency requirements. If more than one connection complies with the latency requirements, the selection from among the possible connections may be made based upon other criteria, such as the one that may be made at the lowest cost. The process of provisioning and dynamically reprovisioning a connection may be performed either at the carrier virtual network system manager  2550  using the carrier virtual network latency database  2556  or by the accessing telecommunication network management system  2405  using latency database  2406  if latency information for the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network is included in database  2406 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 26 , a method  2600  in accordance with the present invention for dynamically provisioning and reprovisioning connections over a carrier virtual network to comply with the latency requirements of a service level agreement is illustrated. In step  2610  a latency database is established. The latency database established in step  2610  may be a database maintained on the carrier virtual network system manager, may be a database maintained on the management system of the accessing telecommunication network, both, or may be a database maintained at another location. The latency database established in step  2610  may include latency information for the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from all dedicating telecommunication networks, latency information for the layer one resources available from the accessing telecommunication network itself, latency information for any network connections in the carrier virtual network. The latency database established in step  2610  may receive latency information from the management systems of the dedicating telecommunication networks. When a connection needs to be made in response to a telecommunication service order, possible connections are identified in step  2650 . The connections identified in step  2650  may be connections that would establish the connection required by the service order, without regard to whether those connections would comply with other requirements of the service level agreement, such as total latency limits. In step  2660  the latency for the identified possible connections are determined, for example, by summing each connection&#39;s component latencies. Step  2660  effectively identifies the possible connections that also meet the latency requirements of the service level agreement. In step  2680 , a connection is identified that complies with the service level latency requirements. The connection identified in step  2680  may be provisioned. In selecting one connection from possibly a large plurality that comply with the latency requirements of the service level agreement, any criteria may be used. In many situations, the lowest cost connection may be selected from the plurality. In step  2690 , at least one alternative connection complying with the service level latency requirements is identified. Step  2690  may be performed in conjunction with one or more preceding steps, or may occur after an impairment arises on one or more links in a connection. If an impairment occurs, the connection may be dynamically reprovisioned to one of the at least one alternative connection identified in step  2690 . 
     In establishing carrier virtual networks in accordance with the present invention, it may be necessary to allow the management systems of accessing and dedicating telecommunication networks to communicate network information and to receive and send network instructions for the layer one resources dedicated to a carrier virtual network.  FIG. 27  illustrates one possible communication configuration for use with carrier virtual networks in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , both a dedicating telecommunication network  2710  and an accessing telecommunication network  2720  include multiple communication layers. The three communication layers implemented may be a business layer, an interpretation layer, and a communication layer. 
     In the dedicating telecommunication network  2710 , the business layer  2712  transmits information and commands between the network management system of the dedicating network and the layer one resources of the dedicating network. The format of network information and instructions transmitted in the business layer  2712  is immaterial to the present invention, and can be any format. 
     Likewise, the accessing telecommunication network  2720  includes a business layer  2722  that transmits network information and network instructions from the management system of the accessing telecommunication network to the layer one resources of the accessing telecommunication network. The format used for network information and network instructions in the business layer  2722  of the accessing telecommunication network  2720  is immaterial to the present invention. While the format used in the business layer  2712  of the dedicating telecommunication network  2712  and the business layer  2722  of the accessing telecommunication network  2720  may be the same, the formats may also be entirely different and incompatible. 
     An interpretation layer  2714  interfaces with the business layer  2712  of the dedicating telecommunication network  2710 . The interpretation layer  2714  converts the network information received from layer one resources of the dedicating telecommunication network  2710  that are dedicated to a carrier virtual network to messages having a predetermined format. The messages having a predetermined format are then passed to communication layer  2716 . Messages having a predetermined format may further be received from communication layer  2726  of the accessing telecommunication network  2720 . These messages received from the accessing telecommunication network  2720  may comprise network instructions from the accessing telecommunication network system manager for the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicating telecommunication network  2710 . Such a message is received via dedicated connection  2730  by the communication layer  2716  of the dedicating telecommunication network  2710 . Messages received by communication layer  2716  are then passed to interpretation layer  2714  for conversion from the predetermined format to network instructions having a format suitable for transmission by business layer  2712 . Network information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from dedicating telecommunication network  2710  may be transmitted from communication layer  2716  via the dedicated connection  2730  to communication layer  2726  of the accessing telecommunication network  2720 . These messages may then be passed from communication layer  2726  to interpretation layer  2724 . Interpretation layer  2724  may then convert these messages from a predetermined format to a format suitable for transmission in business layer  2722  to the network management system of the accessing telecommunication network  2720 . In this fashion, network information regarding the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicating telecommunication network  2710  may be transmitted to the network management system of the accessing network  2720  and arrive in a format suitable for processing by the accessing network  2720  network management system. Likewise, network instructions from the network management system of the accessing telecommunication network  2720  may be transmitted to the layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicated telecommunication  2710  via the business layer  2712 , of the dedicated telecommunication network  2710  in a suitable format. The communication layer  2716  may use any suitable protocol to transmit messages. Suitable protocols include, but are not limited to, CORBA, JMS, and Telnet protocols. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28 , an alternative configuration of communication layers pursuant to the present invention is illustrated. A single communication layer  2840  interfaces with the interpretation layer  2814  of the dedicated telecommunication network  2810  via dedicated connection  2831 . Communication layer  2840  further interfaces with the interpretation layer  2824  of the accessing telecommunication network  2820  via dedicated connection  2832 . Communication layer  2840  may be, for example, part or all of a carrier virtual network system manager. Interpretation layer  2814  interfaces with the business layer  2812  of the dedicating telecommunication network. Interpretation layer  2814  may be, for example, a carrier virtual network interface, such as described above to facilitate the exchange of information between a carrier virtual network system manager and a telecommunication network management system. Likewise, interpretation layer  2824  interfaces with business layer  2822  of accessing telecommunication network  2820 . Interpretation layer  2824  may, for example, comprise a carrier virtual network interface, such as described above to facilitate the exchange of information between a carrier virtual network system manager and a telecommunication network management system. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , an example of possible information flow between business, interpretation, and communication layers in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Dedicating network business layer  2911  may comprise layer one resources dedicated to the carrier virtual network  2913  and dedicating network management system  2915 . Network information  2992  may be passed from the layer one resources  2913  to management system  2915 . Network information  2992  may be in a first format. Business layer  2911  interfaces with interpretation layer  2921 . Interpretation layer  2921  may comprise a carrier virtual network interface. Interpretation layer  2921  includes a translator  2925  that converts network information  2996  from its first format to a predetermined format. The predetermined format may be, for example an XML or ASCII text message. The messages having a predetermined format  2984  carrying network information are then transmitted to communication layer  2931 . Communication layer  2931  may comprise a carrier virtual network system manager  2935 , although it should be noted that more than one carrier virtual network system manager may be used in accordance with the present invention. The network information messages may then be forwarded  2982  to the interpretation layer  2922  of the accessing telecommunication network. Translator  2926  may convert network information messages  2982  to network information  2975  having a second format. The second format may be any format useable by the accessing telecommunication network management system. 
     This network information having a second format is passed to business layer  2912  of the accessing telecommunication network. More specifically, network information  2975  is input into accessing telecommunication network management system  2916 . Accessing telecommunication network management system  2916  directly manages layer one resources  2914  available in the accessing telecommunication network by transmitting network instructions  2971  in the second format to layer one resources  2914  and receiving network information  2972  in the second format from the layer one resources. Accessing telecommunication network management system  2916  indirectly manages the layer one resources  2913  dedicated to the carrier virtual network from the dedicating telecommunication network by receiving the network information in the second format  2975  from translation layer  2922 . Accessing telecommunication network management system  2916  may then issue network instructions  2976  in the second format. The network instructions  2976  pass to interpretation layer  2922 , and translator  2926  converts network instructions  2976  from the second format to a predetermined format, such as XML or ASCII text, for transmission as network instruction messages  2981  to communication layer  2931 . Communication layer  2931 , passes network instruction messages  2983  ultimately originating from accessing telecommunication network management system  2916  to interpretation layer  2921  of the dedicating telecommunication network. Interpretation layer  2921  and translator  2925  converts the network instruction messages  2983  from the predetermined format to network instructions  2995  having the first format. Network instructions  2995  are passed to the management system  2915  of the dedicating the telecommunication network. The first format may be any format useable by the dedicating telecommunication network management system. Network instructions  2995  are then passed by management system  2915  as network instructions  2991  having the first format to layer one resources  2913  dedicated to the carrier virtual network. In this fashion, accessing telecommunication network management system  2916  may directly manage layer one resources  2914  available to it in the accessing telecommunication network and may indirectly manage the layer one resources  2913  dedicated to the carrier virtual network. 
     It should be appreciated that the above sets forth illustrative examples of carrier virtual networks, carrier virtual network system managers, and methods of establishing a carrier virtual network, but that the invention is not limited to any of the specific embodiments described above. The present invention is not limited to any particular type of layer one telecommunication resource, nor is it limited to any given network system manager protocol or type. Many aspects of the present invention may be implemented using computer software embodied on computer readable media to be executed by a computer or other machine. The use of such computer software may be particularly useful as part of a carrier virtual network system manager. The present invention is not limited to the use of any particular programming language, nor is it limited to the use of any particular computer or other machine to execute the machine readable code. These and other variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.