Abstract: A mesh network architecture is disclosed whose protected services can be restored quickly after the failure of a network element (i.e., a network node, a network transmission facility). Furthermore, the protected services can be restored after all single and most multiple network-element failures as quickly as a ring network can recover from a single network-element failure. And still furthermore, the illustrative embodiment is also advantageous in that it can be administered and maintained, for most purposes, as a collection of distinct ring networks. Embodiments of the present invention can use any protocol or transmission technology (e.g., wavelength division multiplexing, SONET/SDH, ATM, etc.). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention distinguish between the transport function, the provisioning function, and the fault notification functions of a network and provide that each of the functions can be accomplished by different networks using different protocols.

Abstract: A mesh network architecture is disclosed whose protected services can be restored quickly after the failure of a network element (i.e., a network node, a network transmission facility). Furthermore, the protected services can be restored after all single and most multiple network-element failures as quickly as a ring network can recover from a single network-element failure. And still furthermore, the illustrative embodiment is also advantageous in that it can be administered and maintained, for most purposes, as a collection of distinct ring networks. Embodiments of the present invention can use any protocol or transmission technology (e.g., wavelength division multiplexing, SONET/SDH, ATM, etc.). Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention distinguish between the transport function, the provisioning function, and the fault notification functions of a network and provide that each of the functions can be accomplished by different networks using different protocols.