Abstract: A switch for a telecommunications network includes at least one fabric for switching PVx connections. The switch includes at least one input mechanism for receiving PVx connections from the network. The switch includes a plurality of output mechanisms for sending PVx connections to the network, with at least one of the output mechanisms non-modifiable. The switch includes a controller which modifies parameters for the connections of the fabric, the input mechanism, and the non-modifiable output mechanism by destroying them and then recreating the PVx connections of the non-modifiable output mechanism while the input mechanism, output mechanism, fabric and connections are active and operating. A switch for a telecommunications network includes at least one fabric for switching SVx connections. A method for handling connections in a telecommunications network.

Abstract: A system for responding to failures of connections in a network. A system for responding to destination failures involving SPVx connections. A system for responding to source failures involving SPVx connections A system for responding to failures involving SPVx connections. A method for responding to failures involving SPVx connections. A method for responding to destination failures involving SPVx connections. A method for responding to source failures involving SPVx connections. A method for responding to failures of connections in a network.