Abstract: A system and methods for determining whether to use a network link are described. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus may detect a fault indication relating to a network link and identify a time interval during which to check a status of the network link. The apparatus may also divide the time interval into a plurality of sub-intervals and check, at the sub-intervals, whether the fault indication remains for the network link. Further, the apparatus may discontinue using the network link upon detecting the fault indication at a plurality of the sub-intervals.

Abstract: A system and methods for determining whether to use a network link are described. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus may detect a fault indication relating to a network link and identify a time interval during which to check a status of the network link. The apparatus may also divide the time interval into a plurality of sub-intervals and check, at the sub-intervals, whether the fault indication remains for the network link. Further, the apparatus may discontinue using the network link upon detecting the fault indication at a plurality of the sub-intervals.

Abstract: Configuring a segment identifier in a customer premise equipment (CPE) connected to a network. Several OAM loopback cells containing possible segment identifiers in the headers may be transmitted. If an accurate segment identifier is used, the corresponding loopback cell may be received again in the CPE as an end system at the other end of the virtual circuit may loopback the cell. Thus, the CPE may be configured with the segment identifier corresponding to the received loopback cell. Once configured, new additional cells may be transmitted with the configured segment identifier.