Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing messages through a network wherein multiple tables for directing messages through the network are maintained and provided. Each table corresponds to a virtual private network and contains routing information specific to that virtual private network. A separate routing table is maintained for each VPN. In one embodiment the messages are forwarded using plain IP forwarding using a route table associated with the VPN. In another embodiment separate forwarding tables using labels are generated for each virtual private network. The messages are forwarded by looking up the label in the table corresponding to the VPN In a third embodiment, a single forwarding table is utilized where the table is built based on separate routing tables for each virtual private network.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for establishing label switched paths across multiple autonomous systems involves establishing a label switched path in each autonomous system, and, at each shared border device, linking an incoming label switched path in an incoming autonomous system to an outgoing label switched path in an outgoing autonomous system. The Label Distribution Protocol is preferably used to establish the label switched path between border devices in each autonomous system. Each border device maps a label associated with the incoming label switched path to a label associated with the outgoing label switched path. When a border device receives a protocol message including the label associated with the incoming label switched device, the border device replaces the label in the protocol message with the label associated with the outgoing label switched path, and forwards the protocol message to the downstream neighboring (next hop) device in the outgoing autonomous system.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for supporting virtual private networks in a label switched communication network utilizes an extended Next Hop Resolution Protocol in order to establish a label switched path for a particular virtual private network. Specifically, label information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in certain Next Hop Resolution Protocol messages. A label request and a corresponding virtual private network identifier is carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol Resolution Request messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by a number of devices along a forward path. Label mapping information and a corresponding virtual private network identifier are carried in Next Hop Resolution Protocol reply messages that are forwarded hop-by-hop by the devices in the forward path.

Abstract: A computer network has a plurality of routers that deliver data packets to the network via a plurality of links. At least one router provides automatic protection switching in the event of a link failure. The at least one router includes a plurality of data interfaces for streams of data packets to enter and exit the at least one router; and a backup controller. The backup controller includes a backup path manager, a link monitor, and a backup packet processor. For at least one link of the routing node, the backup path manager identifies a backup routing path for forwarding affected data packets in the event of a failure of the at least one link. The link monitor monitors the plurality of links to determine when a link fails. When a link which has a backup routing path fails, the backup packet processor attaches backup routing path instructions to affected data packets routed over the failed link, and forwards the affected data packets via the backup routing path.