Abstract: A method and system for breaking loops in an Ethernet network that supports connectionless and connection-oriented Ethernet. A loop-breaking protocol may be used to detect a loop among a plurality of network elements and to identify a port to block in order to break the loop. The network elements may stop the flow of connectionless Ethernet traffic, while continuing to allow connection-oriented Ethernet traffic to pass. The loop-breaking protocol may be further configured to analyze and understand connection-oriented Ethernet within the network so that connection-oriented Ethernet paths are accounted for during loop detection and prevention.

Abstract: A method and system for breaking loops in an Ethernet network that supports connectionless and connection-oriented Ethernet. A loop-breaking protocol may be used to detect a loop among a plurality of network elements and to identify a port to block in order to break the loop. The network elements may stop the flow of connectionless Ethernet traffic, while continuing to allow connection-oriented Ethernet traffic to pass. The loop-breaking protocol may be further configured to analyze and understand connection-oriented Ethernet within the network so that connection-oriented Ethernet paths are accounted for during loop detection and prevention.

Abstract: Echo messaging for operation, administration, and management of a service-based distribution path and associated services are disclosed. Service-based distribution paths or transport tunnels include services mapped or bound to a path associated with the transport tunnel. Echo messaging provides OAM capabilities to monitor the operational state of a service-based distribution path, including determining configuration, connectivity, and other characteristics of the path and associated services that transport data. OAM functions provided by echo messaging enable OAM functions despite service volume along a core network, path or set of paths.

Abstract: Providing gateway redundancy is disclosed. On each of a master and a standby gateway a single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is associated with a plurality of subscriber subnets. On each gateway, the respective single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is used to provide gateway redundancy for the plurality of subscriber subnets.

Abstract: A network element includes a first customer edge port (CEP) coupled to a customer network, a first and a second flood domain. The first and second flood domain each include one or more provider network ports associated with a provider network. The first CEP is configured to peer spanning tree protocol (STP) data units across a network, and receive and transmit a data unit to a first STP processing instance associated with the first CEP. The first STP processing instance is configured to determine whether the data unit is associated with the first or second flood domain, and forward the data unit to the determined flood domain. The network element includes a second CEP coupled to the customer network and the first flood domain. The second CEP is configured to tunnel STP data units across the provider network, receive and forward a second data unit to the first flood domain.

Abstract: Providing gateway redundancy is disclosed. On each of a master and a standby gateway a single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is associated with a plurality of subscriber subnets. On each gateway, the respective single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is used to provide gateway redundancy for the plurality of subscriber subnets.

Abstract: A network element includes a first customer edge port (CEP) coupled to a customer network, a first and a second flood domain. The first and second flood domain each include one or more provider network ports associated with a provider network. The first CEP is configured to peer spanning tree protocol (STP) data units across a network, and receive and transmit a data unit to a first STP processing instance associated with the first CEP. The first STP processing instance is configured to determine whether the data unit is associated with the first or second flood domain, and forward the data unit to the determined flood domain. The network element includes a second CEP coupled to the customer network and the first flood domain. The second CEP is configured to tunnel STP data units across the provider network, receive and forward a second data unit to the first flood domain.

Abstract: Providing gateway redundancy is disclosed. On each of a master and a standby gateway a single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is associated with a plurality of subscriber subnets. On each gateway, the respective single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is used to provide gateway redundancy for the plurality of subscriber subnets.

Abstract: Inserting an address used for performing such OAM functions in an efficient way that is transparent to a customer or service using the network path is disclosed. An indication is received that a source address reserved for OAM use should be inserted into a forwarding database associated with a provider network node, such as a provider edge device, that receives the indication. The address is inserted into a forwarding database as an address that is owned by the provider network node and reserved for OAM use. One or more other nodes associated with a service with which the OAM address is associated may be notified that the OAM address is associated with the provider network node that owns the OAM address.

Abstract: Inserting an address used for performing such OAM functions in an efficient way that is transparent to a customer or service using the network path is disclosed. An indication is received that a source address reserved for OAM use should be inserted into a forwarding database associated with a provider network node, such as a provider edge device, that receives the indication. The address is inserted into a forwarding database as an address that is owned by the provider network node and reserved for OAM use. One or more other nodes associated with a service with which the OAM address is associated may be notified that the OAM address is associated with the provider network node that owns the OAM address.

Abstract: Inserting an address used for performing such OAM functions in an efficient way that is transparent to a customer or service using the network path is disclosed. An indication is received that a source address reserved for OAM use should be inserted into a forwarding database associated with a provider network node, such as a provider edge device, that receives the indication. The address is inserted into a forwarding database as an address that is owned by the provider network node and reserved for OAM use. One or more other nodes associated with a service with which the OAM address is associated may be notified that the OAM address is associated with the provider network node that owns the OAM address.

Abstract: An enhanced virtual router redundancy protocol for manipulating master router selection within a network is disclosed. The use of a priority control policy and priority values take into account conditions and events that may distinguish the desirability of one router over another. Explicit priority values may be specified to indicate the explicit priority of a particular router instance. Delta priority values may also be used to decrement or increment a base priority for a particular router instance. By using priority control policies and priority values to select a master, improved control, management, and manipulation of virtual router instances over a particular IP core network interface are enabled.

Abstract: Echo messaging for operation, administration, and management of a service-based distribution path and associated services are disclosed. Service-based distribution paths or transport tunnels include services mapped or bound to a path associated with the transport tunnel. Echo messaging provides OAM capabilities to monitor the operational state of a service-based distribution path, including determining configuration, connectivity, and other characteristics of the path and associated services that transport data. OAM functions provided by echo messaging enable OAM functions despite service volume along a core network, path or set of paths.

Abstract: Echo messaging for operation, administration, and management of a service-based distribution path and associated services are disclosed. Service-based distribution paths or transport tunnels include services mapped or bound to a path associated with the transport tunnel. Echo messaging provides OAM capabilities to monitor the operational state of a service-based distribution path, including determining configuration, connectivity, and other characteristics of the path and associated services that transport data. OAM functions provided by echo messaging enable OAM functions despite service volume along a core network, path or set of paths.

Abstract: Echo messaging for operation, administration, and management of a service-based distribution path and associated services are disclosed. Service-based distribution paths or transport tunnels include services mapped or bound to a path associated with the transport tunnel. Echo messaging provides OAM capabilities to monitor the operational state of a service-based distribution path, including determining configuration, connectivity, and other characteristics of the path and associated services that transport data. OAM functions provided by echo messaging enable OAM functions despite service volume along a core network, path or set of paths.

Abstract: An enhanced virtual router redundancy protocol for manipulating master router selection within a network is disclosed. The use of a priority control policy and priority values take into account conditions and events that may distinguish the desirability of one router over another. Explicit priority values may be specified to indicate the explicit priority of a particular router instance. Delta priority values may also be used to decrement or increment a base priority for a particular router instance. By using priority control policies and priority values to select a master, improved control, management, and manipulation of virtual router instances over a particular IP core network interface are enabled.