Abstract: A method and system for protection switching distributes responsibility for action between a central controller and network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point network path. The central controller may be configured to support protection switching by network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point path, such that the network elements perform protection switching independently and without direct involvement and/or dependency of the central controller. Simultaneously, the central controller may remain aware of network element actions, events, and states with regard to protection switching, by receiving corresponding notifications from the network elements.

Abstract: A method and system for protection switching distributes responsibility for action between a central controller and network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point network path. The central controller may be configured to support protection switching by network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point path, such that the network elements perform protection switching independently and without direct involvement and/or dependency of the central controller. Simultaneously, the central controller may remain aware of network element actions, events, and states with regard to protection switching, by receiving corresponding notifications from the network elements.

Abstract: A data storage server is programmed with common software modules for management, version control, and scheduling of replication of data storage objects of multiple data storage object types. The multiple data storage object types include iSCSI LUNs, file systems, virtual servers, directories, and files. The version control determines if two data storage objects are the same or have a common base so that only a difference needs to be transmitted for replication or restoration. The scheduler controls the timing of snapshot creation and deletion, and replication transmission to one or more remote destinations. The scheduler may ensure that a replica of a data storage object is out-of-sync with the original of the data storage object by no more than a specified amount of time.

Abstract: A data storage server is programmed for management, version control, and scheduling of replication of multiple types of data storage objects including iSCSI LUNs and file systems. The version control determines if two data storage objects are the same or have a common base so that only a difference needs to be transmitted for replication or restoration. A replication job may specify a “one-to-many” replication or a cascaded replication, and any snapshot retention policy is propagated during a cascaded replication. Concurrent replication sessions to the same destination are paced in accordance with respective allocation shares of the reception bandwidth. File handle information is replicated so that a file handle issued by a primary data storage server can be used for accessing a replicated file in a secondary data storage server.

Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for a distributed Provider Edge (PE). A single Virtual Routing and Forwarding device (VRF) is associated with a single customer site. The VRF includes a single routing table (RIB) and a single forwarding table (FIB). The VRF also includes a plurality of Virtual Private Network (VPN) Protocol Instance Modules (VRP), where each VRP is associated with a different VPN from the customer site. Each VRP accesses the RIB directly and the FIB indirectly to acquiring addressing/routing information for a received data packet. Moreover, each VRP uses a data plane of the VRP to communicate the data packets to a PE backbone device. In turn, the PE backbone device uses the data plane to communicate with each of the VRPs, and the PE backbone device communicates with one or more tunnels.