Abstract: A master unit configured to manage a plurality of remote units connected in a ring topology, the master unit comprising: a network management section configured to transmit at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal to the plurality of remote units in a first direction and a second direction which is a reverse direction of the first direction, and receives an acknowledgement signal in response to the at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal; and switching control means for transmitting a forward signal received from a base station in the first direction, and transmitting a switching control signal in the second direction when a defect is detected in any remote unit among the plurality of remote units by the network management section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for location based deployment of test agents in a cloud environment based upon deployment information for previously placed customer processing nodes. The cloud environment is hosted by servers operating to provide cloud services within two or more server zones. A test controller receives deployment information about applications operating with the cloud environment, analyzes the deployment information to determine locations within the cloud environment for deployment of test agents where the locations are associated with a plurality of the applications, sends resource requests to a cloud management controller to deploy the test agents at the locations, and receives test results from the test agents deployed by the cloud management controller at the locations based upon the resource requests. Monitor agents operating along with applications deployed in the cloud can also be used to provide the deployment information to the test controller.

Abstract: Techniques for virtual agent facilitation of network-based storage reporting are provided. A method can comprise determining, by a virtual agent comprising a processor and located at a node, first information indicative of data storage associated with the node, wherein the virtual agent is configured to be instantiated at the node in response to an instantiation instruction, and comprises non-proprietary, publicly available open source software. The method can also comprise outputting, by the virtual agent, the first information for reporting and forecasting of future capacity growth on the node or a network device of a network to which the node is communicatively coupled.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods of monitoring communication devices and communication links in a software defined network (SDN). In one embodiment, a system may include a communications interface configured to receive a plurality of ingress packets. A forwarding subsystem may match a subset of the plurality of ingress packets with the data flow and forwarding the subset of the plurality of ingress packets based on a first instruction set associated with the data flow. A statistical information subsystem may update a meter count associated with the subset of the plurality of ingress packets matched with the data flow. A logic engine configured to determine that the meter count fails to satisfy a threshold, change a port link state based on the failure to satisfy the threshold; and transition from the first instruction set to a second instruction set associated with the flow data.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of storage tiers, at least one data mover module, and skew predictor. A model generator processes information characterizing input-output activity involving one or more of the storage tiers in order to obtain skew measurements indicating portions of the input-output activity directed to portions of the one or more storage tiers for respective periods of time less than at least one corresponding time granularity, and generates a predictive model from the skew measurements. The skew predictor is configured in accordance with the predictive model to convert additional skew measurements obtained for a given period of time less than a desired time granularity to corresponding skew measurements in the desired time granularity. One or more of the converted skew measurements are utilized by the data mover module in controlling transfer of data between the storage tiers. The model generator is part of a machine learning system.

Abstract: Techniques for intelligent, load adaptive, and self optimizing master node selection in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) node that is part of a plurality of CB nodes in the extended bridge can determine a set of local configuration parameters and a set of local runtime parameters. The CB node can further broadcast the set of local configuration parameters and the set of local runtime parameters to other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can also receive a set of configuration parameters and a set of runtime parameters from each of the other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can then determine a particular CB node in the plurality of CB nodes to be a master CB node of the extended bridge based on the set of local configuration parameters, the set of local runtime parameters, the received sets of configuration parameters, and the received sets of runtime parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thumbnail generation. In one embodiment, a thumbnail stream is generated where one or more bits are assigned to key frames and minimizes the number of bits assigned to delta frames. Each key frame may be used to extract a still image for use in thumbnails during trick mode operation (e.g., fast forward, rewind, pause, or random seek operation). When the encoded video file is given to a Just in Time Packager (JITP), the JITP extracts the image files (via the key frames). Information regarding how to reference these files is stored in generated manifest file and may be reformatted by the JITP to fit the needs of the current product. In a variant, the JITP reformats the image files extracted from the encoded video for operation on a number of devices.

Abstract: A method and system for designing Ethernet ring protection services in a network is used to identify a major ring and sub-rings for a dual hub and spoke network architecture.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include high-availability layers for virtualized systems and services. Virtual network elements include an infrastructure layer that automatically detects and repairs failures in hardware and an operating system for one of the virtual network elements; a virtualization layer that automatically detects and repairs failures in a hypervisor executing on the hardware and the operating system; a virtual machine layer that automatically detects and repairs failures in virtual machines managed by the hypervisor; a virtual network function layer that automatically detects and repairs failures in virtual network functions executed on the virtual machines; and a connection layer that automatically detects and repairs failures in connections between the virtual network elements.

Abstract: Embodiments including methods, systems, and apparatuses for distributing, processing, and reacting to path information distributed via a service-agnostic packet fabric for the purpose of enabling path selection are disclosed. By configuring two ingress line cards to send path quality words to each other via the switch fabric, compare the path quality words, and determine whether to transmit traffic to an egress line card via the switch fabric based on the comparison of the path quality words, the embodiments enable a central switch fabric to be unaware of the paths that it carries, and enable both ingress and egress bandwidth of the switch fabric to be sized according to the facilities for which it is terminating. The switch fabric does not need to support working and protection paths simultaneously in some embodiments, allowing it to be scaled appropriately to termination facilities.

Abstract: Data traffic loss in a an Ethernet Ring that is multihomed, in an active-standby manner, to a VPLS transport network (such as a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) multihomed Ethernet Ring, an MC-LAG multihomed Ethernet Ring, or some other type of active-standby multihomed Ethernet Ring, etc.) (ring) is avoided. The exemplary multihomed ring running Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) protocol includes a Ring Protection Link (RPL), a first node and a second node linked with a designated border router and a standby border router of the network, respectively. The data traffic loss in the multihomed ring is avoided by (i) receiving an indication that the link between the first node and the designated border router has failed; and (ii) invoking, responsive to the received indication, an ERP Media Access Control (MAC)-flush in the ring, even in the absence of a failed link in the ring and without activating the specified RPL.

Abstract: An optical signal transmitted by another terminal device that was used for compensation could be received by a device that is not the intended destination of said optical signal, resulting in the problem that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed for the information in said optical signal. This optical reception device is characterized by the provision of the following: a receiving means via which wavelength-multiplexed signal light is inputted; and a transmitting means that, in accordance with an identifier in an optical signal of a prescribed wavelength in the inputted wavelength-multiplexed signal light, forwards said optical signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bus system (1) comprising a control unit (2) and at least one bus node (3.1, 3.2, 3.3). The control unit (2) is allocated at least two data communication interfaces (2.1, 2.2) which are respectively designed to transmit and receive data. The at least one bus node (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) comprises a bus coupler having at least two data communication interfaces (3.11, 3.12; 3.21, 3.22; 3.31, 3.32) respectively designed to transmit and receive data. The control unit (2) and the at least one bus node (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) are respectively connected together via their data communication interfaces and corresponding two-point connections (8) to form a ring topology. The bus coupler of the at least one bus node is designed to directly and without delay transmit, and thus forward, data received at one of its at least two communication interfaces via its other data communication interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in an Ethernet ring for protecting the Ethernet ring from a superloop going through the Ethernet ring, wherein the Ethernet ring comprises at least one ring node and two interface nodes between the Ethernet ring and a VPLS-domain, the Ethernet ring further comprises a ring protection link, the method comprises the steps of: receiving in one of the interface nodes a withdrawal message intended to indicate that the other interface node is malfunctioning, the method being further characterized by the further step of; maintaining said ring protection link in the Ethernet ring in response to the withdrawal message.

Abstract: Optical transceiver sharing methods may be based on different ROADM node architectures for shared restoration in flexible grid optical networks. A ROADM node architecture with a pool of transceivers may improve transceiver utilization for backup optical paths, compared to a conventional ROADM node architecture. Sharing of transceivers in the pool for working and backup optical paths may further improve transceiver utilization. The methods disclosed herein may be used for multiple bit rates and different modulation formats.

Abstract: A relay device includes: a first port and a second port which are connected to a ring network; a relay path for relaying a frame between the first port and the second port; and a first monitoring point and a second monitoring point provided on a side close to the second port on the relay path. The first monitoring point monitors continuity between itself and the second monitoring point of a different device via the relay path of its own device by using a CCM frame based on Ethernet OAM. The second monitoring point monitors continuity between itself and the first monitoring point of a different device via the relay path of the different device by using the CCM frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing an abstraction layer for streaming data sources are disclosed. A request to perform an operation based on one or more keys is received using a key-value interface. A streaming data source is selected based on the request. The operation is performed using the streaming data source, wherein the operation comprises storing or retrieving one or more values based on the one or more keys.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a flexible secondary data path control, said method comprising the steps of: detecting (S1) a primary data path failure of a primary data path between a customer premise site (3) and a central office site (4); initiating (S2) a corresponding secondary data path if a primary data path failure of said primary data path has been detected; initiating (S3) a measurement of data path characteristics of said initiated secondary path or utilizing constantly monitored data path characteristics of paths for an available secondary data path; and determining (S4) services to be provided via said secondary data path depending on the measured data path characteristics of said secondary data path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an example of a method for a first router to adaptively determine status within a network. The network may include the first router, a second router and a third router. The method for the first router may comprise determining status information regarding the second router located in the network, and transmitting the status information to the third router located in the network. The second router and the third router may be indirectly coupled to one another.

Abstract: A master unit configured to manage a plurality of remote units connected in a ring topology, the master unit comprising: a network management section configured to transmit at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal to the plurality of remote units in a first direction and a second direction which is a reverse direction of the first direction, and receives an acknowledgement signal in response to the at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal; and switching control means for transmitting a forward signal received from a base station in the first direction, and transmitting a switching control signal in the second direction when a defect is detected in any remote unit among the plurality of remote units by the network management section.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for reserving spare bandwidth for a link in a communication network including a plurality of links. The method provides for monitoring the volume of traffic routed through each link of the communication network. A single link failure for each link is then simulated and the volume of traffic which would be rerouted through each link for maintaining communication and the volume of traffic removed from each link are determined for each simulated single link failure. The difference between the volume of traffic which would need to be rerouted through each link and the corresponding volume of traffic removed from each link is then computed, and a maximum difference value is determined for each link for all simulated single link failures. An amount of spare bandwidth equivalent to the determined maximum difference is then reserved for each link.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for generating forwarding entries for devices in an optical network. The optical network includes a virtual access node AN, where the virtual AN includes a first access device, a second access device, and an access port management apparatus. The access port management apparatus acquires a virtual AN forwarding entry sent by an access management device; generates a first forwarding entry for a first device in the first access device and the second access device according to the virtual AN forwarding entry; and generates a second forwarding entry for a second device in the first access device and the second access device according to the virtual AN forwarding entry. The virtual AN may automatically generate forwarding entries for the first access device and second access device in the virtual AN according to the virtual AN forwarding entry.

Abstract: A manner of providing redundancy protection for a data center network that is both reliable and low-cost. In a data center network where the data traffic between numerous access nodes and a network core layer via primary aggregation nodes, an optical network device such as and OLT (optical line terminal) is provided as a backup aggregation node for one or more of the primary aggregation nodes. When a communication path through a primary aggregation node fails, traffic is routed through the optical network device. In a preferred embodiment, a communication link is formed from a plurality of access nodes to a single port of the OLT or other optical network device via an optical splitter that combines upstream transmissions and distributes downstream transmissions. The upstream transmissions from the plurality of access nodes may occur according to an allocation schedule generated when the backup aggregation node is needed.

Abstract: An optical network including: a medium; at least one beam of optical waveguides extending over the medium; for each beam, interfaces between the beam and the processing units, respectively. The beam successively links the interfaces in a closed loop oriented in a certain direction of rotation of information. The communication units of each interface are transversely arranged in ranks increasing from the periphery to the interior of the beam. First and second optical waveguides start from different interfaces or end at different interfaces. The first optical waveguide links two communication units both of them readers and/or writers of different ranks in first and second respective interfaces. The second optical waveguide passes through a communication unit from the second interface of lower rank to that of the communication unit of said second interface through which the first optical waveguide passes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a network arrangement including multiple network devices that are coupled to each other in a ring structure. Each network device includes a control device and a switch device with at least two ports for coupling to a communication path. During operation, at least two VLANs are simultaneously provided in the ring structure, and the sending of a data packet from the control device of a selected network device is performed via a port of the switch device in one of the two VLANs. In order to achieve this, the other port of the switch device of the selected network device is deactivated for the one VLAN. By using two VLANs, a redundant and reliable data transmission may be achieved. A destabilization of the VLANs in the network ring is prevented by the targeted deactivation of specific ports of the sending network device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a ring supervisor operating as a server for maintaining and allocating addresses for devices in a ring topology. The ring supervisor may obtain an ordered list of devices in the ring by sending a data collection frame that passes through each device around the ring with each device appending its preconfigured address information. The ring supervisor may then operate to apply the addressing provided by each device, or alternatively, allocate different addresses to each device from a separate pool. As a result, control program software for ring devices can be developed using a general pool of addresses without requiring specific knowledge of actual addresses. Also, if a device requires replacement, the device may be replaced without requiring modification to the control program to provide the address for the replacement device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first Fiber Channel (FC) switch configured to be operatively coupled to an FC network device and a second FC switch. The first FC switch is configured to receive, from the FC network device, a first control packet. The first FC switch is further configured to send to the second FC switch, based on the first control packet, a second control packet defined based on a decentralized control plane protocol. The second control packet includes information associated with an FC route that is associated with the FC network device such that the second FC switch can route FC data packets to the FC network device using an FC data plane protocol.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an arithmetic device includes an arithmetic processing unit, an address generating unit, and a control unit. The arithmetic processing unit performs a plurality of arithmetic processing used in an encryption method. Based on an upper bit of the address of the first piece of data and based on an offset which is a value corresponding to a counter value and which is based on the address of the first piece of data, the address generating unit generates addresses of the memory device. The control unit controls the arithmetic processing unit in such a way that the arithmetic processing is done in a sequence determined in the encryption method, and that specifies an update of the counter value at a timing of modifying the type of data and at a timing of modifying data.

Abstract: A protocol identifies and configures rings in a network topology automatically in order to simplify and quicken the actions that need to be performed in response to addition, deletion and shuffle of network nodes in that topology. Such rings do not need to be identified and configured manually. The protocol involves two separate sequentially performed phases. In the first phase, the protocol can automatically identify all rings that are present within a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) topology. In the second phase, the protocol can automatically configure each node of each such ring in conformity with the Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) protocol. After this ERP configuration has been performed, the failure of a link within the network will not require every network node to re-learn paths through the network; instead, the nodes that are required to re-learn such paths can be limited to those within the particular ring that contained the failed link.

Abstract: A network management system manages preplanned alternative paths in a wavelength switched optical network for a traffic flow having a working path and two or more preplanned alternative paths from a source node to a destination node. A processing part determines if, after the fault, a number of available alternative paths for the respective traffic flow drops to a threshold. If so, a new alternative path is calculated and set up the new alternative path in the nodes, to enable one or more of the nodes to move the traffic flow onto the new alternative path in the event of further faults without waiting for input from the network management system. Thus multiple faults can be handled without the nodes needing to store details of so many such alternative paths. Otherwise, many such alternative paths are needed to take account of many different possible failure locations.

Abstract: A method provided in one example embodiment includes a first network device receiving a request comprising a name of a port profile to be subscribed to by a virtual interface (“VIF”). For the first subscribing to the port profile, the first network device notifies a second network device concerning use of the port profile and the second network device applies a network configuration in connection with the notifying. The first network device may receive a removal request identifying a port profile to be unsubscribed from by a VIF. For the last VIF unsubscribing from the identified port profile, the first network device notifies the second network device concerning the unsubscription and the second network device applies a new network configuration in connection with the unsubscription notification. In one embodiment, the second network device comprises a virtualization profile corresponding to the port profile preconfigured thereon for specifying the network configuration.

Abstract: Data traffic loss in a an Ethernet Ring that is multihomed, in an active-standby manner, to a VPLS transport network (such as a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) multihomed Ethernet Ring, an MC-LAG multihomed Ethernet Ring, or some other type of active-standby multihomed Ethernet Ring, etc.) (ring) is avoided. The exemplary multihomed ring running Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) protocol includes a Ring Protection Link (RPL), a first node and a second node linked with a designated border router and a standby border router of the network, respectively. The data traffic loss in the multihomed ring is avoided by (i) receiving an indication that the link between the first node and the designated border router has failed; and (ii) invoking, responsive to the received indication, an ERP Media Access Control (MAC)-flush in the ring, even in the absence of a failed link in the ring and without activating the specified RPL.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a system for interconnected ring protection, relates to the communication field, realizes the protection of the interconnected ring network using a narrow bandwidth, and improves the bandwidth utilization rate. The method comprises: a first intersection node in an intersection node group receiving an cross-ring service, the first intersection node determining an off-ring node of the cross-ring service on a second ring according to service information of the cross-ring service; and if the first intersection node does not communicate with the off-ring node of the cross-ring service on the second ring, and the first intersection node is not the last intersection node, the first intersection node forwarding the cross-ring service to a second intersection node.

Abstract: A topology for routing message traffic between interconnecting nodes of a network is provided that includes a plurality of rings having a plurality of interconnecting nodes. A number of trees include at least one leaf at a same relative position of the rings. The trees and the rings form a unique combination that provides superior network performance for moderate numbers of the interconnecting nodes, wherein each interconnecting node has only a limited ability to handle a plurality of links.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit to determine whether data input from input/output module is data to be processed by a plurality of processing modules in a setting order; and a switching unit to switch a first data and second data processing path, so that when the determination unit determines that the data input from the input/output module is not data to be processed by the processing modules in the setting order, the communication modules circulate data via the first data processing path used to transfer the data in an order in which the communication modules are connected, and otherwise, the communication modules circulate data via the second data processing path used to control the communication modules to transfer the data in the setting order.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of implementing a redundant network. Ring network nodes in an initial state are set as master stations, ring ports are set in a half-blocked state, a master station election notification message is broadcast to the ring ports within a preset time interval, the nodes receive the master station election notification message, a node quality comparison vector is compared with node quality comparison vectors of the nodes to elect a master and standby stations, one of the ring ports is in the half-blocked state, the other ring ports are in a forwarding state, the master station broadcasts the master station election notification message to the ring ports, the standby master station stops sending the master station election notification message, the ring ports are in the forwarding state, and the message sent by the master station is received.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for visualizing a point to multi-point network, such as a network including Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) using a visualization techniques used for point-to-point networks. For example, for a selected start and end node, intervening nodes may be identified and any protection rings also identified. A blocking port for each ring is identified and based thereon a path through the ring is identified. A trail between the start and end node is then generated using the current path through the protection rings. The trail may then be represented graphically. Unblocking of a blocked port of a ring may be detected and a new path through the ring may be determined and represented graphically. Status indicators may be included in the updated representation of the ring to indicate the presence of a failure condition.

Abstract: Traffic pattern models of a complex communication system are compared. A normalized transmission parameter is computed for each traffic pattern model. Model parameters are also computed for each traffic pattern model. The model parameters for each traffic pattern model represent anticipated traffic flow through the complex communication system over a predetermined time period. Data representing an actual traffic flow pattern through the complex communication system over the predetermined time period is compared to the model parameters representing anticipated traffic patterns for each model. The normalized transmission parameters for each of the traffic pattern models are also compared.

Abstract: A ring network of a multicast label switch path scheme includes a transmitting node and receiving nodes connected to form a ring. A signal input to the transmitting node is branched to be transmitted in first and second different directions to first and second receiving nodes through first and second working paths, respectively, in the ring network. The first and second receiving nodes define terminal points of the first and second working paths, respectively, from the transmitting node. A first backup path is set from the first receiving node to the transmitting node, and a second backup path is set from the second receiving node to the transmitting node. The first backup path is in an opposite direction to the first working path and the second backup path is in an opposite direction to the second working path.

Abstract: A method for configuring a router is disclosed. The method comprises providing router configuration information. The router configuration information is sent to the router over a cellular data network.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for simultaneously supporting restoration and native multicast at a router in an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In one embodiment, a method includes establishing a point-to-point pseudowire having an endpoint at the router, associating the point-to-point pseudowire with an IP interface, and associating a multicast protocol with the IP interface. The point-to-point pseudowire is adapted for supporting restoration in response to a failure. The association of the multicast protocol with the IP interface enables running of the multicast protocol in a manner that gives an appearance that the multicast protocol is running natively on an IP link.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for intelligent deployment and transition from a first network infrastructure to a second network infrastructure. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to, among other things, methods and apparatus that leverage tunneling of Ethernet ring network technologies. In one exemplary embodiment, a modified implementation of the ITU-T G.8032 data link protocol is combined with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) transport networks to provide Carrier Ethernet and Retail Ethernet services. Unlike existing network infrastructure, the exemplary MPLS network aggregates traffic between the base station (BS) and mobile switching center (MSC) within a logical ring network topology.

Abstract: When stored identifying information of a transmission target frame and identifying information of a received frame are equal, a node apparatus updates transmission feasibility information stored in association with the final destination of the received frame. The transmission feasibility information indicates feasibility of transmission to each of a plurality of adjacent node apparatuses being a transmission destination, and is updated so that feasibility of transmission to the transmission destination associated with the identifying information of the received frame indicates that “the transmission is infeasible”. The node apparatus transmits the received frame, when there is no adjacent apparatus to which transmission is feasible, and when the stored identifying information of the transmission target frame is equal to the identifying information of the received frame, to the adjacent node apparatus recognized as the origin in association with the identifying information of the received frame.

Abstract: A method of supervising a node in a communication system, the communication system comprising a OAM system, a Femto node controlled by the OAM system, and a first communication path between the node and the OAM system, the method comprising the steps of: determining that the node is unable to receive commands sent by the OAM system via the first communication path; establishing a second communication path between the node and the supervising entity via a cellular network; and sending a trigger message to the node via the second communication path to initiate a communication path set up on the first communication path towards the OAM system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a device, Cognitive Communication Hub (CCH) that combines multiple and hybrid physical layers to collaborate and establish a unified network. The heterogeneous network so formed supports a whole range of bandwidth and spectrum while providing quality of service and class of service. The routing algorithm of the device is designed to explore the best route that can optimally use hybrid networking technologies to make a connection. The device has multiple interfaces and acts in an adhoc fashion. It forms multiple parallel data paths between source and destination and hence provides fault tolerance as a break down in one path does not disconnect end to end connection.

Abstract: At least two different redundancy protocols are operated in parallel by network devices in an Ethernet network. Control is determined and assigned to one of two protocols to have total control over which ports in the network devices are active and which are blocked for transmission of user data and network data network traffic while allowing all control and monitor traffic to traverse the ring of network devices. Control and monitoring packets are transmitted by RSTP packets through all of the network devices in the ring while restricting the data ports of the network devices to transmit user data and data network traffic to the network devices connected in the line of the network devices. Parameters received in RSTP packets are collected from all of the network devices in the ring in order to determine which network device of the network devices is a virtual root bridge.

Abstract: A method for managing a topology of a multi-ring Ethernet and a system thereof are disclosed, and the method includes: a node including a blocked port on the multi-ring Ethernet periodically sending a Topology Find Frame (TF) message along a transmission control channel through an own good port; a node receiving said TF message in the multi-ring Ethernet updating an own topology database according the NODE_LIST in said TF message, writing an own NODE_ID into the NODE_LIST of said TF message, and then forwarding said TF message along the transmission control channel.

Abstract: When stored identifying information of a transmission target frame and identifying information of a received frame are equal, a node apparatus updates transmission feasibility information stored in association with the final destination of the received frame. The transmission feasibility information indicates feasibility of transmission to each of a plurality of adjacent node apparatuses being a transmission destination, and is updated so that feasibility of transmission to the transmission destination associated with the identifying information of the received frame indicates that “the transmission is infeasible”. The node apparatus transmits the received frame, when there is no adjacent apparatus to which transmission is feasible, and when the stored identifying information of the transmission target frame is equal to the identifying information of the received frame, to the adjacent node apparatus recognized as the origin in association with the identifying information of the received frame.

Abstract: A method for redundant communication in a communication system having a plurality of communication networks connected to one another by at least one node, wherein data that originates from a first communication network is prevented from being transmitted back from the second the communication network into the first communication network as a result of information that is predefined before the transmission.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus of providing a non-overlapping ring-mesh network topology which reduces costs (e.g., the number of network links) while providing resiliency to failure and meeting QoS requirements (e.g., network delay attributed to traversing the network architecture). In particular, a set of target nodes belonging to a cluster are connected through N rings. Each node is member of all N rings and no link between nodes in a ring is duplicated in another ring.