Abstract: Squelch identifiers for re-routing a broken path through interconnected network elements of a communication network incorporating BLSR protection are allocated by a method comprising: determining chain links between network elements; setting attributes (begin, middle, end) corresponding to the chain links; building chains by joining chain links together; matching pairs of chains connecting network elements at the ends of chains; and allocating squelch identifiers to those network elements interconnected by matching pairs of chains. Each chain link represents two termination points and an intermediate subnetwork connection. The step of building chains comprises joining chain links having matching termination points. The step of matching pairs of chains comprises searching for chains interconnecting the same two network elements but pointing in opposite directions.

Abstract: A self-service terminal having an acoustic interface is described. The terminal comprises a user locating mechanism, a controller, and an array of individually controllable acoustic elements. In use, the locating mechanism is operable to locate a user and to convey user location information to the controller, and the controller is operable to focus each acoustic element to the user's location to increase the privacy of the user in using the terminal. A method of interacting with a self-service terminal is also described.