Cisco Technology, Inc.

Philippe J Daniel

Keith Eric Neuendorff

Paul M Elliott

Phu Son Le

Xiaopin Nie

Brian Rushka

Chenchuan Lu

Each node () of a SONET bidirectional line switch ring (BLSR) () generates a squelch table. Squelch table generation does not require a separate computer connected to the node. Each node also generates a payload table indicating a type of a synchronous transport signals (STS) on each link () in the ring. The payload table allows each node to quickly determine the STS type on the protection channels when a ring switch occurs.

Generation of synchronous transport signal data used for network protection operation

A network element receives frames from multiple ring networks. Each ring network linked to the network element is supported by a designated support program. The received frames are monitored for conditions indicative of a failure in one of the ring networks. Upon detection of a failure condition, the designated support program for the failing ring network is determined and notified. The designated support program then addresses the failure condition by, for example, switching to a backup link. In one example, the multiple ring networks are SONET BLSR networks.

Multiple ring support within a single network element

Methods and apparatus for enabling a protection path within a network to be monitored are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sending traffic on a path within an optical network system that has a plurality of nodes and a plurality of fibers includes identifying a circuit path within the optical network system which is associated with a first node and includes at least one fiber. The method also includes sending a signal that includes embedded path trace information on the circuit path from the first node on the fiber, and determining when the signal is received from the first node by a second node over the fiber. Finally, the method includes broadcasting path trace information to the plurality of nodes when it is determined that the signal is not received by the second node over the fiber.

Bi-directional line switched ring support for path trace monitoring on a protection path

Each node ( ) of a SONET bidirectional line switch ring (BLSR)( ) generates a squelch table. Squelch table generation does not require a separate computer connected to the node. Each node also generates a payload table indicating a type of a synchronous transport signals (STS) on each link ( ) in the ring. The payload table allows each node to quickly determine the STS type on the protection channels when a ring switch occurs.

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Rohnert Park, CA, United States of America

Philippe J Daniel