Abstract: A procedure, and an apparatus, system and computer program that operate in accordance with the procedure, for operating a dual homed communications network. In the procedure, a backup aggregation n ode is configured in accordance with a configuration of a primary multi-service router. A failure is detected in a first communication path that includes a primary multi-service router. In response to the detection, a second, backup communication path is activated that includes a backup multi-service router. In response to the activation, a router is negotiated with so that traffic forwarded by the router is provided to the second, backup communication path instead of the first communication path.

Abstract: Network service providers have largely addressed the growth in demand for communications networks in two ways: employing faster and more robust communications protocols through equipment upgrades and increasing use of Operations, Administrations, and Management (OAM) procedures for improved network performance. Typically, OAM operations procedures used by a network protocol are unique to that protocol and are not compatible with other network protocols. Service providers with networks that use multiple communications protocols, such as networks using legacy and newly installed equipment, can have difficulty ensuring optimal performance due to non-compatible OAM operations. A method, and corresponding apparatus, for supporting OAM interworking between first and second communications protocols used in an interworking circuit of a communications network is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for configuring a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) interface within Virtual Private LAN Service using Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP). Previously, the only ways to enable PBB interfaces for transmission were by learning, which poses security and scalability concerns due to flooding, or by manual configuration, which is impractical for large networks. Embodiments of the present invention enable custom topologies to be built in a controlled manner, which has not previously been possible for PBB over VPLS. By using MP-BGP messages to exchange PBB interface information between nodes, peering relationships are established, and communities may be built with any desired topology. Previously, PBB has only been used as a connectionless bridge; embodiments of the present invention use PBB as a connection between edge nodes. Network designers are provided increased flexibility, and security and congestion are improved, benefiting end users.

Abstract: A procedure, and an apparatus, system and computer program that operate in accordance with the procedure, for operating a dual homed communications network. In the procedure, a backup aggregation n ode is configured in accordance with a configuration of a primary multi-service router. A failure is detected in a first communication path that includes a primary multi-service router. In response to the detection, a second, backup communication path is activated that includes a backup multi-service router. In response to the activation, a router is negotiated with so that traffic forwarded by the router is provided to the second, backup communication path instead of the first communication path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for configuring a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) interface within Virtual Private LAN Service using Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP). Previously, the only ways to enable PBB interfaces for transmission were by learning, which poses security and scalability concerns due to flooding, or by manual configuration, which is impractical for large networks. Embodiments of the present invention enable custom topologies to be built in a controlled manner, which has not previously been possible for PBB over VPLS. By using MP-BGP messages to exchange PBB interface information between nodes, peering relationships are established, and communities may be built with any desired topology. Previously, PBB has only been used as a connectionless bridge; embodiments of the present invention use PBB as a connection between edge nodes. Network designers are provided increased flexibility, and security and congestion are improved, benefiting end users.

Abstract: Network service providers have largely addressed the growth in demand for communications networks in two ways: employing faster and more robust communications protocols through equipment upgrades and increasing use of Operations, Administrations, and Management (OAM) procedures for improved network performance. Typically, OAM operations procedures used by a network protocol are unique to that protocol and are not compatible with other network protocols. Service providers with networks that use multiple communications protocols, such as networks using legacy and newly installed equipment, can have difficulty ensuring optimal performance due to non-compatible OAM operations. A method, and corresponding apparatus, for supporting OAM interworking between first and second communications protocols used in an interworking circuit of a communications network is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for interworking a first protocol, e.g., Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE), that provides Ethernet carrier-class traffic engineering, with a second protocol, e.g., Virtual Private LAN Service, that emulates local area network (LAN) service. Unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmissions are enabled across an Ethernet aggregation network and an MPLS core network. Dual homing protection and end-to-end traffic engineering with adjustable granularity are also provided. These capabilities are not available with traditional PBB-TE networks or with an interworking between PBB and VPLS that has been previously proposed. Embodiments of the invention terminate a PBB-TE tunnel at a user-facing provider edge (UPE) node and attach instance service identifiers (ISIDs) to different virtual switching instances (VSI)s.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a network system between a host and a group of routers using virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”) messages and bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) sessions are disclosed. The network system is capable of facilitating a first communication between a host and a master router of multiple VRRP routers and establishing a BFD session between the host and the master router. When the BFD session fails, the priority of the master router is subsequently lowered and a backup router is activated. In one embodiment, the backup router capable of performing functions of the master router becomes a new master until the BFD session resumes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a network system between a host and a group of routers using virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”) messages and bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) sessions are disclosed. The network system is capable of facilitating a first communication between a host and a master router of multiple VRRP routers and establishing a BFD session between the host and the master router. When the BFD session fails, the priority of the master router is subsequently lowered and a backup router is activated. In one embodiment, the backup router capable of performing functions of the master router becomes a new master until the BFD session resumes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for interworking a first protocol, e.g., Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE), that provides Ethernet carrier-class traffic engineering, with a second protocol, e.g., Virtual Private LAN Service, that emulates local area network (LAN) service. Unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmissions are enabled across an Ethernet aggregation network and an MPLS core network. Dual homing protection and end-to-end traffic engineering with adjustable granularity are also provided. These capabilities are not available with traditional PBB-TE networks or with an interworking between PBB and VPLS that has been previously proposed. Embodiments of the invention terminate a PBB-TE tunnel at a user-facing provider edge (UPE) node and attach instance service identifiers (ISIDs) to different virtual switching instances (VSI)s.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for configuring a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) interface within Virtual Private LAN Service using Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP). Previously, the only ways to enable PBB interfaces for transmission were by learning, which poses security and scalability concerns due to flooding, or by manual configuration, which is impractical for large networks. Embodiments of the present invention enable custom topologies to be built in a controlled manner, which has not previously been possible for PBB over VPLS. By using MP-BGP messages to exchange PBB interface information between nodes, peering relationships are established, and communities may be built with any desired topology. Previously, PBB has only been used as a connectionless bridge; embodiments of the present invention use PBB as a connection between edge nodes. Network designers are provided increased flexibility, and security and congestion are improved, benefiting end users.