Abstract: A broadband access node includes a port for connection with a Digital Subscriber Line and a processor to run code that implements a virtual maintenance end point (vMEP). The vMEP translates an IEEE 802.1ag Loopback Message (LBM) received from a device on an Ethernet access network into a legacy operations and maintenance (OAM) message that is transmitted to a residential gateway (RG) device. The legacy OAM message determines a link-level connectivity status between broadband access node and the RG device. The vMEP also transmits a reply message back to the device on an Ethernet access network in compliance with the IEEE 802.1ag specification. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for routing data within a packet-switched network using a PW wherein the PW is terminated directly on the layer-3 routing device such that certain services and applications can be utilized is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product receives an encapsulated layer-2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a pseudowire emulating a service. The encapsulation is removed from the encapsulated layer-2 PDU and a layer-2 circuit associated with the pseudowire is terminated. The circuit is treated as an interface and the PDU is forwarded based on upper layer protocol information within the PDU.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by an access node, multicast control parameters for white, black, and grey lists of multicast groups. The access node applies the multicast control parameters to an IGMP process running on a port associated with a subscriber. In response to receiving an IGMP message requesting joining a multicast group, the access node either: autonomously forwarding the multicast group on the port where the multicast group in on the white list, blocking the multicast group on the port where the multicast group in on the black list, or relying on a Layer 3 broadband network gateway (BNG) to instruct the access node whether to add a forwarding entry on the port for the multicast group where the multicast group in on the grey list. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying at least one parameter as being associated with a service provided to an entity, as for example a subscriber. The service is arranged to service the entity. The method also includes monitoring the parameter to determine if accessibility to the service by the entity is compromised, and invoking a notification mechanism to send a notification to the entity if it is determined that the accessibility to the service by the entity is compromised. The notification indicates that the accessibility to the service is compromised.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a layer 2 node associated with an open systems interconnection (OSI) reference model to perform resource reservation protocol (RSVP) processing are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention a layer 2 device associated with an OSI reference model includes a first interface, a processing arrangement, and a second interface. The first interface intercepts a message associated with a on-path signaling protocol for at least one selected from a group including resource reservation and admission control at a layer above layer 2. The processing arrangement processes the message, and the second interface sends the message.

Abstract: A technique dynamically delivers multicast service notification messages in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a service provider (SP) network device determines if it is able to deliver a particular requested multicast service (stream) to a subscriber device, e.g., whether there is enough bandwidth, sufficient quality of service (QoS), appropriate access rights of the subscriber, and/or external triggers, etc. In the event it is unable to deliver the multicast service, the SP network device returns a network-based notification message (e.g., low bandwidth video, audio, data, etc.) using the same communication format as the requested multicast service as though the notification message were the requested multicast service itself. The notification message may be masked such that the subscriber device is substantially unaware that the notification is not the requested multicast service, or the subscriber device may be instructed to display a particular locally cached notification message.

Abstract: Techniques for authenticating a user for access to an IP network include receiving from the user's host a DHCP request which includes user identifier data. A random challenge value is determined and sent to the user's host in a DHCP message format. A response message that includes a response value is received from the user's host in DHCP format. A verification value is determined based on a password value associated with the user identifier value in an AAA server and the current challenge value using a secure process that renders impractical an attempt to derive the password. If it is determined that the response value does not match the verification value, then a DHCP offer is prevented from being sent to the user's host in response to the DHCP request. Thus, a user is authenticated using DHCP instead of PPP.

Abstract: Techniques for providing remote access to a service provider network include exchanging multiple Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) formatted messages instead of any Point to Point Protocol (PPP) message to provide all PPP functions for accessing a service provider network from a customer node. The service provider network is on provider premises and the customer node is on customer premises different from the provider premises. The DHCP format is used to exchange authentication messages, user profile data on Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) servers, or session keep-alive echo messages, alone or in some combination. When all are message types are combined, these techniques provide a remote access server (RAS) with the capability to perform all functions presently provided by PPP processes. In some combinations, these techniques allow a modified DHCP server to replace a legacy AAA server.

Abstract: A broadband access node includes a port for connection with a Digital Subscriber Line and a processor to run code that implements a virtual maintenance end point (vMEP). The vMEP translates an IEEE 802.1ag Loopback Message (LBM) received from a device on an Ethernet access network into a legacy operations and maintenance (OAM) message that is transmitted to a residential gateway (RG) device. The legacy OAM message determines a link-level connectivity status between broadband access node and the RG device. The vMEP also transmits a reply message back to the device on an Ethernet access network in compliance with the IEEE 802.1ag specification. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method of operation for a node of an Ethernet access network includes issuing a multicast message on the Ethernet access network by a maintenance end point (MEP) of the node. The multicast message contains a name of a target MEP. The node is further operable to receive a unicast reply message from the target MEP, the unicast message reply containing a MEP identifier (MEP-ID) and a MEP Media Access Control (MAC) address of the target MEP. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.