Patent ID: 7616581

Claim:
A network element (NE) to which path setup is possible, comprising: a first checking unit which, when a control instruction for path setup at a scheduled date and time is inputted, checks if the control instruction is applicable to the NE; a second check unit which checks if resources of the NE corresponding to the control instruction are available at the scheduled date and time; and a control unit which executes the control instruction in such a manner that the control instruction can be completed at the scheduled date and time; wherein, when a failure is detected and when a configuration/components change of the NE is made: the first check unit further checks if the resources of the NE are applicable to path setup at a scheduled date and time, the path setup corresponding to the control instruction; and the second check unit further checks if the resources of the NE are applicable, whereby the control unit further generates, before the scheduled date and time, an alarm with respect to the path setup at the scheduled date and time corresponding to the control instruction.