Abstract: Described are a system and method for establishing zone-based pricing for services transported over connectionless and connection-oriented networks. The connectivity network supporting the service is partitioned into one or more zones. A node connected to a packet transport network receives a packet associated with the service. The packet has information that is used to identify one of the zones of the connectivity network to which the packet can be transmitted. Service providers are thus able to use zoning to apply a pricing structure for services traditionally lacking distance-based pricing, such as Ethernet, Storage, and Internet Protocol services.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for establishing zone-based pricing for services transported over connectionless and connection-oriented networks. The connectivity network supporting the service is partitioned into one or more zones. A node connected to a packet transport network receives a packet associated with the service. The packet has information that is used to identify one of the zones of the connectivity network to which the packet can be transmitted. Service providers are thus able to use zoning to apply a pricing structure for services traditionally lacking distance-based pricing, such as Ethernet, Storage, and Internet Protocol services.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting a service available on a broadcast domain. A sub-domain is established within the broadcast domain. The sub-domain includes a group of nodes used to provide a communication path to the service. A primary sub-domain maintenance association and a back-up sub-domain maintenance association are monitored. The primary and sub-domain maintenance associations are a set of primary and back-up paths, respectively, representing connectivity between nodes acting as edge nodes in the sub-domain. A fault is detected within the primary sub-domain maintenance association and a switch to the back-up sub-domain maintenance association occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a multi-floor and/or multi-site distributed switch. As video applications such as “video on demand” (VoD) start to become more used by the general public and desire for combining networks capable of carrying voice, data, internet and video increases, service providers are requiring broadband networking capabilities that require new scaleable infrastructure solutions. Existing network technologies are not flexible enough to deliver broadband traffic required for each floor of a multi-floor network data center (NDC) or multiple NDCs connected in a ring. Conventional solutions involve direct cabling from each floor to a common room on one floor of the site. Embodiments of the present invention provide for a distributed switch including a plurality of switching elements on different floors/sites that is non-blocking under defined traffic conditions.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for identifying private resources associated with a communications network. A structured address format is defined having a plurality of character positions. Each character position is associated generally with a property of a managed resource in the communications network. A structured private address, constructed according to the structured address format, is assigned to the managed resource. Each character position of the assigned structured address has a value that identifies a specific instance of the property of the managed resource associated with that character position. Operations Systems Support (OSS) gives a common name to the managed resource and maintains an association between the common name and the structured address. The structured address format can follow a four-byte dotted decimal notation similar to IPv4 addresses.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for establishing zone-based pricing for services transported over connectionless and connection-oriented networks. The connectivity network supporting the service is partitioned into one or more zones. A node connected to a packet transport network receives a packet associated with the service. The packet has information that is used to identify one of the zones of the connectivity network to which the packet can be transmitted. Service providers are thus able to use zoning to apply a pricing structure for services traditionally lacking distance-based pricing, such as Ethernet, Storage, and Internet Protocol services.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for managing nodes of a network. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented as part of a computer based network management system. The system allows a network operator to select, view and modify the configuration of a logical group node at any level of a network hierarchy. The configuration of a logical group node may include, without limitation, logical group node attributes, summary addresses, and any other information that may be relevant to implementing the desired function of a logical group node. After a change is made to the configuration of a logical group node, the system automatically identifies all physical nodes that may potentially function as the logical group node whose configuration has changed, and causes the configurations of the logical group node to be updated on the identified physical nodes to reflect the change made to the logical group node.