Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a protected circuit path to be created efficiently are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating a protected circuit path within an optical network system includes identifying a first node, a second node, and a third node. Once the nodes are identified, a pseudo link or a virtual link may be created between the second node and the third node. A first circuit path is then routed between the first node and the second node, and a second circuit path which protects that first circuit path is routed between the first node and the third node using the pseudo link.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and associated apparatus for automatically propagating circuit information in a network. In one embodiment, a network includes multiple circuit switches that are coupled using communications links. Information relating to the communications links are automatically propagated in the network using a protocol used by routers in communicating with other routers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for enhancing the capability to optimally route VT circuits over SONET networks. The invention discloses a method for identifying Network Elements (NEs) that have VT capability (i.e., VT cross connect capability) and, when desired or required for VT circuit routing, manually or automatically topologically interconnecting these NEs by STS-1 circuits called VT Tunnels. Once interconnected, these VT Tunnels are suitable for supporting user VT traffic without the network operator being required to upgrade non-VT NE with VT capability or without having to exhaust the limited pool of available VT cross connects on one or more NEs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for enhancing the capability to optimally route VT circuits over SONET networks. The invention discloses a method for identifying Network Elements (NEs) that have VT capability (i.e., VT cross connect capability) and, when desired or required for VT circuit routing, manually or automatically topologically interconnecting these NEs by STS-1 circuits called VT Tunnels. Once interconnected, these VT Tunnels are suitable for supporting user VT traffic without the network operator being required to upgrade non-VT NE with VT capability or without having to exhaust the limited pool of available VT cross connects on one or more NEs.

Abstract: A method for identifying and choosing a shortest path segment that has an alternate edge disjoint path segment. While routing Unidirectional Path Switched Ring (UPSR) path segments in a graph, there may be several equal distance paths to choose the shortest path from. Choosing a certain path as the shortest path may minimize or eliminate the chance of finding an alternative path segment. A method is provided such that if multiple shortest paths from the source node to a particular destination node exist, the method selects the shortest path which has an alternate edge disjoint path, and which can be used for path protection. The particular shortest path chosen by the method is not necessarily the first shortest path constructed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a protected circuit path to be created efficiently are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating a protected circuit path within an optical network system includes identifying a first node, a second node, and a third node. Once the nodes are identified, a pseudo link or a virtual link may be created between the second node and the third node. A first circuit path is then routed between the first node and the second node, and a second circuit path which protects that first circuit path is routed between the first node and the third node using the pseudo link.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for computing the shortest protectable paths in communication networks, and a method for establishing and defining protected paths. The invention utilizes a new algorithm to exclude from consideration as the “shortest path” between two network elements, a path for which adequate protection cannot be established. Such an unprotectable path will contain one or more unprotectable links. These unprotectable links can be identified and excluded based upon whether or not the link is a member of a loop. Because there are several more computational steps in defining the protected paths, after the shortest path has been found, the initial exclusion of unprotectable path segments from consideration eliminates the potential waste of computational resources leading to a more rapid and efficient routing and provisioning of reliable network paths and circuits.

Abstract: A system for sending data. The system includes a telecommunications network which supports connections. Each connection has a first attribute. The first attribute is that the connection has unspecified traffic. The network includes switches, and links which connect the switches. The system includes a routing module connected to the switches. The routing module has a mechanism for attributing a second attribute associated with transmission to each connection on the network. The second attribute is different than the first attribute. The routing module forms connections on the network based on the first attribute and the second attribute. A method for sending data. The method includes the steps of defining a telecommunications network which supports a connection having a first attribute. The first attribute is that the connection has unspecified traffic which travels on the connection. Then there is the step of attributing a second attribute associated with transmission to the connection on the network.

Abstract: A telecommunications system. The system includes a first area. The system includes a second area connected to the first area to form a single physical network for routing connections and in which there is selective propagation of information between each area in the network. A split switch. The split switch includes a first node adapted to be disposed in a first area. The split switch includes a second node adapted to be disposed in a second area. The second node is in communication with the first node. The first node prevents information from propagating into the first area from the second area which was provided to the second area from the first area or arose from the first area. A method for routing connections. The method includes the steps of propagating information concerning a connection from a first area of a physical network to a second area of the physical area. Then there is the step of preventing the information from forming a routing loop back to the first area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and associated apparatus for automatically propagating circuit information in a network. In one embodiment, a network includes multiple circuit switches that are coupled using communications links. Information relating to the communications links are automatically propagated in the network using a protocol used by routers in communicating with other routers.

Abstract: A system for connecting source nodes and destination nodes. The system includes an ATM network along which ATM cells travel. The system includes source nodes connected to the ATM network which produce ATM cells that travel along the ATM network. The system includes destination nodes connected to the ATM network which receive ATM cells from the ATM network. The system also includes a switching mechanism connected to the ATM network for directing an ATM cell from a first source node of the source nodes to a first destination node of the destination nodes. The switch mechanism has a mechanism for holding predetermined connection profiles between source nodes and destination nodes. The switch mechanism connects the first source node to the first destination node based on a desired connection profile from the holding mechanism after the first source node makes a request on the switch mechanism to be connected with the first destination node. A method for connecting source nodes and destination nodes.