Abstract: Each node in a hierarchical network regularly checks to determine whether its network connection is intact. If not, it autonomously communicates with other nodes in the physical neighborhood, using wireless capability also included at each node. It first searches for a wireless path to its immediate neighbors in the hierarchy attempting to reach a working node connected to the same distribution point. The nodes collect, store and exchange connectivity data on neighboring nodes. One member of a group of nodes that have exchanged connectivity information is selected to transmit a connectivity report to network control center. If not itself connected to the hierarchical network, the selected node can use the connection to the closest working node and its broadband connection to the network control center to inform the network operator of the fault and its likely location.

Abstract: The nodes (200, 201), etc in a hierarchical network are also capable of forming direct wireless connections between each other. Each node checks on a regular basis to determine whether its network connection is intact. If a node (211) discovers that its direct broadband connection (31, 21, 33, 24, 34) to the exchange (2) has failed, it autonomously communicates with other nodes (201, 202, 212, 220) in the physical neighbourhood, using its wireless capability. It first searches for a path through a WIFI connection to its immediate neighbours in the hierarchy to attempt to reach a working node (210, 212) connected to the same Distribution Point (21). (These are not necessarily the nearest neighbours in the wireless network). The nodes collect and store connectivity data on neighbouring nodes, and exchange connectivity data between themselves to identify nodes, and groups of nodes, that are not currently connected to the branched network.