Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forwarding data packets through a fiber optic ring network includes forwarding data packets on a packet by packet basis. A node on the fiber optic ring network decides on a packet by packet basis whether to transmit on the working or protection path. Because this decision is being made on a packet level, reservation of throughput resources no longer is made at a one to one ratio. Rather, protection path resources are reserved at a ratio significantly less than one to one. In one embodiment, no resources are reserved for path restoration or protection path routing. Rather, quality of service provisioning is used to resolve interference situations wherein instantaneous demand exceeds capacity. A node evaluates ring conditions in relation to the demand of traffic resources and the relative quality of service ratings to determine whether and how to forward a packet.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transporting IP user traffic over a fiber optic ring network that includes a plurality of fiber optic ring network nodes. One ring is for conducting the user traffic on a working path and the other ring is for conducting the same user traffic on a protection path in the event of a failure in a communication link in the first ring on a protection path. A central node is coupled to a plurality of nodes to provide forwarding tables and updates to the nodes. As a result, IP traffic may be routed through the fiber optic ring network in a manner that provides fast switching from a working path to a protection path to minimize lost data packets whenever a communication link in the working path fails. Additionally, this capability is provided without requiring each node to have full IP routing capability. The forwarding tables for the protection and working paths provide for path routes and forwarding for the packets on a packet by packet basis.