Abstract: A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layer network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection layers. The method stores information in a memory, the information indicating for each of a plurality of communication resources within the multi-layer network, one or more layers of the network with which that communication resource is associated. The method monitors the multi-layer network to detect a quality of service event that has occurred at a first of a plurality of communication resources, and in response to the monitoring, uses the information to determine a layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources. The method responds to the quality of the service event by changing provisioning of the multi-layer network at a layer that is different from the layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources.

Abstract: A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layer network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection layers. The method stores information in a memory, the information indicating for each of a plurality of communication resources within the multi-layer network, one or more layers of the network with which that communication resource is associated. The method monitors the multi-layer network to detect a quality of service event that has occurred at a first of a plurality of communication resources, and in response to the monitoring, uses the information to determine a layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources. The method responds to the quality of the service event by changing provisioning of the multi-layer network at a layer that is different from the layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources.

Abstract: A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layer network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection layers. The method stores information in a memory, the information indicating for each of a plurality of communication resources within the multi-layer network, one or more layers of the network with which that communication resource is associated. The method monitors the multi-layer network to detect a quality of service event that has occurred at a first of a plurality of communication resources, and in response to the monitoring, uses the information to determine a layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources. The method responds to the quality of the service event by changing provisioning of the multi-layer network at a layer that is different from the layer of the multi-layer network that is associated with the first of the plurality of communication resources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide reserved bandwidth and QOS/COS virtual circuit connections in a network using both conventional and novel reservation protocols and frame formats. An apparatus according to the invention includes an enterprise control point that communicates with switches via a reserved signaling channel. The switches have been upgraded or replaced to include enhanced functionality. The enhanced switches detect packets that include requests for reserved connections according to existing reservation protocols such as RSVP and IEEE 802.1P/Q. Such detected packets are forwarded to the enterprise control point for processing via a reserved signaling channel. The enterprise control point identifies a path within the network that can satisfy the requested QOS/COS and reserves the requested resources all along the path from beginning to end.