Abstract: A novel and useful hitless node insertion mechanism for configuring a new node to be inserted into an Ethernet network. The mechanism comprises pre-configuring the new node into a partially configured state, disconnecting a network link where the new node is to be inserted and connecting the new node to at least one end of the disconnected link. All data traffic received from neighboring nodes is then blocked and fake signal failure (SF) messages are generated and sent if Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) messages are detected. An in-band management port is then selected and a configuration from a Network Management System (NMS) is received. Once configuration of the said new node is complete, the new node is set to a fully configured state.

Abstract: A novel and useful one-to-many OAM/protection inter-work function (IWF). The mechanism stitches a single OAM session (e.g., a CCM session) on a multi-traffic class (TC) M-domain to multiple OAM-sessions (which monitor different transport entities or connections) on a single-TC S-domain using duplication and filtering of OAM messages at the ENNI. Using the OAM sessions, protection decision manipulation is performed to coordinate the protection decisions of the different connections serving the different TCs of the same S-domain endpoint. The manipulation includes manipulating fields in one OAM-session as a function of information gained from an OAM-session monitoring a different transport entity such that the first connection is forced to follow protection decisions based on the second OAM-session. Bundled single-TC connections are forced to take protection decisions that steer user traffic through transport entities provisioned in advance to share the same fate in the event of link or equipment failures.