Abstract: In one embodiment, detecting a host device on a port of a forwarder switch in a network, detecting a movement of the host device from a first forwarder switch to a second forwarder switch, and multicast broadcasting an updated device information for the host device to a convergence group switches and a proximity group switches, where the convergence group switches includes switches in the network that are not configured as forwarder switches, and the proximity group switches include forwarder switches grouped together based on radio proximity is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling line-protected links to be included in path-protected segments of a unidirectional path-switched ring are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for computing a circuit path that includes a primary path between a start node and a destination node as well as an alternate path includes determining the primary path using a routing algorithm. The primary path includes a protectable segment which has a first line-protected link. The method also includes creating the alternate path using the routing algorithm. Creating the alternate path includes creating the alternate path between the start node and the end node with the alternate path arranged to protect at least the protectable segment which includes the first line-protected link. In one embodiment, the alternate path is created including the first line-protected link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for defining an alternate circuit path within a network are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, a device for computing circuit paths between a first node and a second node within a network that has a plurality of elements includes a route generator and a list mechanism. The route generator computes a primary circuit path between the first node and the second node such that the primary circuit path includes a first element. The list mechanism identifies the first element as being inaccessible to an alternate circuit path. Using the list mechanism, the route generator computes an alternate circuit path that does not include the first element identified by the list mechanism. In one embodiment, the first element is a link. In another embodiment, the first element is a node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically routing paths in a network with a mixed protection domain. According to one aspect, a method for computing a primary path within a network includes identifying a plurality of potential paths which are characteristically similar and are arranged between the source node and the destination node and selecting a first potential path from the plurality of potential paths which are characteristically similar. The first potential path is considered for use as an actual path between the source node and the destination node, while the other potential paths included in the plurality of potential paths which are characteristically similar are not considered for use as the actual path between the source node and the destination node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a primary path such that the ability to create a corresponding alternate path, if one exists, is effectively ensured are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for creating a circuit path includes selecting a first unprotected link, and identifying a first potential unprotected path segment that includes the first unprotected link and is arranged between a first node and a second node. A determination is automatically made regarding whether the first potential unprotected path segment has a corresponding first alternate path segment between the first node and the second node. If it is determined that the first potential unprotected path segment has a corresponding first alternate path segment, the first unprotected link is added to the first potential unprotected path segment. Then, the first potential unprotected path segment is designated as an unprotected path segment of the circuit path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for substantially minimizing single points of failure for circuit paths in networks with mixed protection schemes are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for routing circuit paths between a source and a destination of a network includes identifying a first available circuit path between the source and the destination. The first available circuit path includes a first plurality of links which each have an associated protection type. The method also includes determining a number protection changes associated with the first plurality of links, and assigning a first metric to the first available path that is based on the number of protection changes. Finally, the method includes identifying a selected available path to be used to pass information between the source and the destination based at least in part on the first metric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically creating a circuit path that includes specified elements are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a method for computing a circuit path between a source node and a destination node of a network includes identifying at least a first element that is to be traversed by the circuit path such that the path passes from the source node, traverses the first element, then passes to the destination node. The method also includes routing a first segment of the circuit path automatically such that the source node and the first element are components of the first segment. In one embodiment, routing the first segment automatically includes routing the first segment automatically using a shortest path first algorithm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically creating a path through a bi-directional line switched ring which uses common time slots are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for creating a path between first and second nodes through a third node using first and second links includes a querying device, a comparator, and a routing device. The querying device identifies a first time slot of the first link for transferring data from the first node to the third node, and also identifies a second time slot associated with the second link for transferring data between the third node and the second node. The comparator determines when the first time slot and the second time slot are consistent, and the routing device computes the path between the first and second nodes using the first and second time slots when the first and second time slots are consistent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a protected circuit path to be created efficiently are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating a protected circuit path within an optical network system includes identifying a first node, a second node, and a third node. Once the nodes are identified, a pseudo link or a virtual link may be created between the second node and the third node. A first circuit path is then routed between the first node and the second node, and a second circuit path which protects that first circuit path is routed between the first node and the third node using the pseudo link.

Abstract: A data communication method enables the transfer of data having different protocols without requiring increased bandwidth in the transmission line. The system efficiently re-routes data in the event of network alterations and determines a fast and efficient way to transport data based on the then-existing network structure using link-state and distance vector techniques.