Patent ID: 8254249

Claim:
A method in a router for managing a plurality of subscriber sessions associated with a plurality of mobile devices, wherein each subscriber session is assigned to one of a plurality of line cards, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a failed line card; and redistributing each subscriber session assigned to the failed line card to minimize packets lost and maximize subscriber session retention, the step of redistributing including: classifying, in response to detection of the failed line card, each subscriber session assigned to the failed line card into a plurality of priority queues, the step of classifying including: assigning each subscriber session assigned to the failed line card with uplink or downlink data activity notifications to a highest one of the plurality of priority queues; and assigning each subscriber session assigned to the failed line card with updated network control signaling to a second highest one of the plurality of priority queues; and transferring each subscriber session assigned to the failed line card to another one of the plurality of line cards as a function of priority queue order.