Abstract: A method and system for buffer flush optimization in Ethernet ring protection (ERP) networks includes generating ERP control messages to include a sub-ring identifier (SUB RING ID) and a topology change notification sequence number (TCN#). When the ERP control messages are received with the sub-ring SUB RING ID and the TCN#, the recipient is enabled to disambiguate multiple redundant ERP control messages. Additionally, a do not flush attribute bit is set for subsequently sent ERP control messages.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing an Ethernet ring protection switching (ERPS) protocol in an Ethernet network. The method includes receiving an administrative data packet at a first network element; determining whether the administrative data packet contains an ERPS membership setting from a second network element; when the administrative data packet contains the ERPS membership setting from the second network element, comparing an ERPS membership setting at the first network element to the ERPS membership setting from the second network element; and performing an action when the ERPS membership setting at the first network element is different than the ERPS membership setting from the second network element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing an Ethernet ring protection switching (ERPS) protocol in an Ethernet network. The method includes receiving an administrative data packet at a first network element; determining whether the administrative data packet contains an ERPS membership setting from a second network element; when the administrative data packet contains the ERPS membership setting from the second network element, comparing an ERPS membership setting at the first network element to the ERPS membership setting from the second network element; and performing an action when the ERPS membership setting at the first network element is different than the ERPS membership setting from the second network element.

Abstract: A method and system for buffer flush optimization in ERP networks includes generating improved ERP control messages to include a sub-ring identifier and a topology change notification sequence number. When the improved ERP control messages are received, the recipient is enabled to disambiguate multiple redundant ERP control messages. Additionally, a do not flush attribute bit is set for subsequently sent ERP control messages.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying the absence and presence of a ring protection link in Ethernet networks are disclosed. The method may include sending, by a node in a ring of an Ethernet network having a plurality of nodes and an RPL, an APS message. The method may further include receiving, by the node via the ring, the APS message and determining whether the node is an RPL owner node that controls the flow of traffic on the RPL. The method may further include, raising, when it is determined that the node is not an RPL owner node, an alarm indicating that the ring lacks a provisioned RPL owner node.

Abstract: A method may include: (i) in response to clearing of a fault on a working path of a protection switching group to which a first network element is interfaced: (a) transitioning, by the first network element, its state to a first state in which a protection path of the protection switching group is active; and (b) initiating, by the first network element, a wait to restore timer, the wait to restore timer having a duration such that upon expiration of the timer, the first network element is configured to switch the working path to active; and (ii) in response to receiving a message from a second network element interfaced to the protection switching group indicating that a failure has occurred on the working path: (a) maintaining, by the first network element, its state in the first state; and (b) continuing, by the first network element, the wait to restore timer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for telecommunications includes determining the operational state of a first network switch, determining the operational state of a second network switch, determining the existence of an actionable condition, accessing information on the first switch, and changing the operational state of the first switch. The second network switch is coupled to the first network switch by a protected path. Determining the actionable condition and changing the operational state use references to the operational state of the first network switch, the operational state of the second network switch, and the actionable condition.

Abstract: A method may include: (i) in response to clearing of a fault on a working path of a protection switching group to which a first network element is interfaced: (a) transitioning, by the first network element, its state to a first state in which a protection path of the protection switching group is active; and (b) initiating, by the first network element, a wait to restore timer, the wait to restore timer having a duration such that upon expiration of the timer, the first network element is configured to switch the working path to active; and (ii) in response to receiving a message from a second network element interfaced to the protection switching group indicating that a failure has occurred on the working path: (a) maintaining, by the first network element, its state in the first state; and (b) continuing, by the first network element, the wait to restore timer.

Abstract: A method for preventing traffic loss includes transmitting user traffic over an automatic protection switching (“APS”) connection with revertive operation between a first switch and a second switch, determining that the working path on the APS connection has failed, moving user traffic to the protect path of the APS connection, and initiating a wait-to-restore mode including a wait-to-restore time period associated with the first switch. The method also includes, upon termination of the wait-to-restore time period of the first switch, maintaining traffic on the protect path until a message designating the working path is received on the protect path. The method further includes, upon receiving a message designating the working path, switching user traffic to the working path. The APS connection includes the protect path and the working path.

Abstract: A method for solving communication failure includes transmitting user traffic over an automatic protection switching (“APS”) connection between a near network node and a far network node, determining that a protect path on the APS connection has failed, sending a message to the far network node that the protect path has failed, and switching user traffic to the working path at the near network node.