Abstract: A network element in an Ethernet OAM network is operable to detect congestion associated with an OAM domain and generate a congestion notification to MEPs in the OAM domain using a modified Ethernet OAM protocol. When a network element detects congestion in one or more queues associated with an MEP in an OAM domain, it triggers a congestion state. The MEP transmits a congestion notification to other MEPs in the OAM domain. The notifying MEP, as well as other MEPs receiving the congestion notification, initiate a network management protocol message to a network management system for the OAM domain. The MEPs in the OAM domain may also propagate the congestion notification to MEPs in higher maintenance level OAM domains.

Abstract: An edge network element of a provider network, such as in a data center, determines one or more service level parameters and service probes defined for a local virtual machine connected to the edge network element. The edge network element generates at least one service probe to measure the one or more service level parameters over a network path to a remote edge network element that is associated with a remote virtual machine having a same service instance identifier ISID or virtual machine profile as the local virtual machine. The edge network element generates a notification to a network management system including the measured one or more service level parameters of the network path and media access control (MAC) addresses of the edge network element, the remote edge network element, the local virtual machine and the remote virtual machine.

Abstract: A mirror maintenance endpoint (MEP) is hosted on a provider edge switch within an Ethernet network to perform service level mirroring to a network management device of the Ethernet network. The mirror MEP is configured by the network management device to receive all mirrored frames from provider edge switches in a service provider network and to switch the mirrored frames to the network management device. The mirrored frames are mirrored by the provider edge switches to the mirror MEP during mirror sessions initiated by the network management device.

Abstract: An edge network element of a provider network, such as in a data center, determines one or more service level parameters and service probes defined for a local virtual machine connected to the edge network element. The edge network element generates at least one service probe to measure the one or more service level parameters over a network path to a remote edge network element that is associated with a remote virtual machine having a same service instance identifier ISID or virtual machine profile as the local virtual machine. The edge network element generates a notification to a network management system including the measured one or more service level parameters of the network path and media access control (MAC) addresses of the edge network element, the remote edge network element, the local virtual machine and the remote virtual machine.

Abstract: A network element in an Ethernet network comprises circuitry configured for providing a plurality of different functionalities. A first portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic generator functionality is provided. A second portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic analyzer functionality. A third portion of the circuitry is providing traffic loop-back functionality. The various portion of the circuitry (i.e., the circuitries) are operable for selectively enabling the network element to support a unidirectional test mode and a bi-directional test mode and for enabling the network element to be selectively operated as a local network element and a remote network element.

Abstract: A method for assigning a priority level to a stream by a network element in a communications network, where the network element has a plurality of communications ports is disclosed. The method includes monitoring at least one of the ports for at least one stream being communicated between a first user agent and a second user agent during a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communication session. The SIP communication session includes a plurality of SIP packets. The network element captures at least one SIP packet of the plurality of SIP packets and extracts information from the at least one captured SIP packet to determine a service type of the at least one stream. The network element assigns a priority level to the at least one stream based on the service type and according to a policy that defines priority levels for streams according to a plurality of service types.

Abstract: A mirror maintenance endpoint (MEP) is hosted on a provider edge switch within an Ethernet network to perform service level mirroring to a network management device of the Ethernet network. The mirror MEP is configured by the network management device to receive all mirrored frames from provider edge switches in a service provider network and to switch the mirrored frames to the network management device. The mirrored frames are mirrored by the provider edge switches to the mirror MEP during mirror sessions initiated by the network management device.

Abstract: A network element in an Ethernet OAM network is operable to detect congestion associated with an OAM domain and generate a congestion notification to MEPs in the OAM domain using a modified Ethernet OAM protocol. When a network element detects congestion in one or more queues associated with an MEP in an OAM domain, it triggers a congestion state. The MEP transmits a congestion notification to other MEPs in the OAM domain. The notifying MEP, as well as other MEPs receiving the congestion notification, initiate a network management protocol message to a network management system for the OAM domain. The MEPs in the OAM domain may also propagate the congestion notification to MEPs in higher maintenance level OAM domains.

Abstract: A network element in an Ethernet network comprises circuitry configured for providing a plurality of different functionalities. A first portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic generator functionality is provided. A second portion of the circuitry is configured for providing traffic analyzer functionality. A third portion of the circuitry is providing traffic loop-back functionality. The various portion of the circuitry (i.e., the circuitries) are operable for selectively enabling the network element to support a unidirectional test mode and a bi-directional test mode and for enabling the network element to be selectively operated as a local network element and a remote network element.