Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for routing data within a packet-switched network using a PW wherein the PW is terminated directly on the layer-3 routing device such that certain services and applications can be utilized is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product receives an encapsulated layer-2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a pseudowire emulating a service. The encapsulation is removed from the encapsulated layer-2 PDU and a layer-2 circuit associated with the pseudowire is terminated. The circuit is treated as an interface and the PDU is forwarded based on upper layer protocol information within the PDU.

Abstract: A method for supporting a GMPLS hierarchy through multiple routing instances in a network having multiple regions is disclosed. Each region has associated therewith a separate routing instance. The method includes initiating creating a link between two regions at an edge device of a first region and selecting a path between the two regions. A message is forwarded from the edge device to a network device coupled to a second region and a response is received from the network device at the edge device. A new LSP linking the two regions is inserted into a routing database for a routing instance associated with the second region.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for routing data within a packet-switched network using a PW wherein the PW is terminated directly on the layer-3 routing device such that certain services and applications can be utilized is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product receives an encapsulated layer-2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a pseudowire emulating a service. The encapsulation is removed from the encapsulated layer-2 PDU and a layer-2 circuit associated with the pseudowire is terminated. The circuit is treated as an interface and the PDU is forwarded based on upper layer protocol information within the PDU.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for separately distributing edge-device labels and routing information across routing areas of a computer network. Because the edge-device labels are distributed separately from network routing information, the process of distributing the edge-device labels does not preclude conventional edge-device address summarizations. Illustratively, a novel “label mapping” LSA is employed for distributing the edge-device labels across routing areas. The label-mapping LSA may be embodied as an area-scope OSPF opaque LSA (type 10) or an IS-IS LSP containing TLVs of area scope. Advantageously, the present invention is generally applicable whenever label values are allocated to edge devices in a multi-area computer network and data is “tunneled” through the network from one edge device to another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for link discovery and verification that minimize the need for line termination resources to generate and interpret packets. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a first node in a data communication network to verify connectivity to a second node includes sending a request for verification of connectivity to the second node that identifies an IP address of the first node, a port of the first node, and an IP address of the second node. The method also includes toggling a signal emitted by the port, and notifying the second node of a toggling mode of the port. Finally, the method includes receiving a first message from the second node indicating whether the second node detected the toggling. The request for verification of connectivity is sent on a control channel via a control message separate from the signal and the first message.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for routing data within a packet-switched network using a PW wherein the PW is terminated directly on the layer-3 routing device such that certain services and applications can be utilized is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product receives an encapsulated layer-2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a pseudowire emulating a service. The encapsulation is removed from the encapsulated layer-2 PDU and a layer-2 circuit associated with the pseudowire is terminated. The circuit is treated as an interface and the PDU is forwarded based on upper layer protocol information within the PDU.

Abstract: Systems and methods for link discovery and verification technique that minimize the need for line termination resources that generate and interpret packets. Of two nodes verifying a link to one another, only one node need have any line termination capability. The node lacking line termination capability simply loops back packets generated by the other node thus verifying the link. Thus, an optical cross-connect can verify links to a wide variety of node types by employing a single line termination unit capable of terminating any suitable packet type. Alternatively, a router can verify connectivity to an optical cross-connect even when the optical cross-connect lacks any line termination capability at all. This saves greatly on implementation costs for optical networks.