Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for detecting faults and restoring connections in networks including, e.g., ATM networks are described. The restoration methods of the present invention can be applied on an application by application or user by user basis. In accordance with the present invention virtual connections affected by link or node failures are restored through re-routing as opposed to establishing a completely new connection between a source and a destination device. VPI/VCI values are assigned at the time of re-routing thereby avoiding the potential problem of VPI/VCI exhaustion which may be encountered when backup VPI/VCI values are assigned at the time a communication session is initiated. The connection restoration process of the present invention is initiated by a node on the source side of a connection detecting a failure and initiating a re-routing operation or transmitting a message to the source switch to initiate a re-routing operation. A node on the destination device side of a failed connection is used for initiating the release of network resources reserved at the switches which were used as part of the no longer used path of the re-routed call. The destination device side node (switch) detecting a fault transmits a re-route release message to downstream switches. Restoration methods applicable to pre-planned hop-by-hop, pre-planned source routing and dynamic source routing embodiments are described. In one embodiment, ATM assured mode data transport operation on signaling channels is used to detect node and/or link failures.

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First Claim