Cisco Technology, Inc.

Cicso Technology, Inc.

Robert L Bortolotto

Steven Harold Goody

David A Hillard

Carmel Chi Him Lau

Michael F Davis

Xiao Pin Nie

Daniel Scott Terhune

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for automatically provisioning data stitching circuits within a network element (NE). Data circuits are defined as the interface cards within NE that are receiving a particular data stream. Data stitching circuits are defined as data circuits that are provided with a destination point and a next destination point for each interface card. The NE creates a data-stitching matrix that identifies a path (i.e., destination and next destination) for the data stream to follow. The matrix is used by a cross-connect to reroute the data stream around one or more inoperable interface cards. When interface cards within the NE request to be provisioned into or out of a data stitching circuit the NE automatically updates the data-stitching matrix.

Method and apparatus for automatically provisioning data circuits

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for rerouting high-speed telecommunications signals within a network element (NE). Data circuits are defined as the interface cards within the NE that receive a particular data stream. In the event that one or more of the interface cards associated with a particular data circuit is removed, the NE can reroute the data stream so that the data circuit is maintained. The rerouting is accomplished by creating a stitching table, which defines the previous stitch and next stitch for each port on a cross-connect unit. Thus, when one stitch is lost, the table enables the apparatus to reroute the data stream around the lost stitch. That is, the data circuit is stitched together when one or more elements of the data circuit are removed.

Method and apparatus for rerouting telecommunications signals

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Santa Rosa, CA, United States of America

Robert L Bortolotto