Abstract: A network element configured to support Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) for Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) includes circuitry configured to track faults in the CFM via a defect indication variable that includes multiple bits wherein each bit is one of a certain priority level of a plurality of priority levels and a reserved value, and, responsive to one or more of detection of a new fault and clearing of an existing fault, update the defect indication variable accordingly based on a corresponding priority level of the new fault or the existing fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking and reporting the existence or absence of faults in a Network Element (NE) or node of a network, network domain, or Maintenance Domain (MD) are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes a step of tracking the existence or absence of a plurality of faults in a NE within a network domain. Each of the plurality of faults is categorized in one of a plurality of priority levels. In response to a detection of one or more new faults in the NE or a rectification of one or more old faults in the NE, the method further includes the step of updating a fault indication variable that individually signifies the existence or absence of a fault at each of the priority levels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking and reporting the existence or absence of faults in a Network Element (NE) or node of a network, network domain, or Maintenance Domain (MD) are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes a step of tracking the existence or absence of a plurality of faults in a NE within a network domain. Each of the plurality of faults is categorized in one of a plurality of priority levels. In response to a detection of one or more new faults in the NE or a rectification of one or more old faults in the NE, the method further includes the step of updating a fault indication variable that individually signifies the existence or absence of a fault at each of the priority levels.