Abstract: In a communications network comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes, each node comprises at least one network device requiring allocated transmission channels, a switch connected to the network device for configuring transmission channels connected to other nodes, and a configuration controller connected to the network device and to the switch for controlling configuration of the transmission channels. The configuration controller receives signals from the network device indicative of traffic load on the network device, processes the received signals to determine that reconfiguration of the transmission channels is favoured and determines a favoured reconfiguration of the transmission channels.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for controlling multi-layer communications networks, data characterizing activity and state of the network and external demands made on the network by customer requests at at least two Layers is collected. The collected data are processed in accordance with a dynamic policy to determine that a reconfiguration of at least one Layer of the at least two Layers is favourable, and to determine a favoured reconfiguration of the at least one Layer. The collected data are processed in accordance with a dynamic policy to determine a favoured selection of customer demands on the network to be accepted. Implementation of the favoured reconfiguration and favoured admission is initiated. The resulting network behaviour is observed and the dynamic policy is adjusted to increase its ability to find favourable reconfiguration and call admission actions.