Importance

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Abstract

There is provided a method and apparatus for the ordered release of connections from a network entity in a signalling communications network upon the detection of the failure of a signalling link or a port corresponding to such connections. A priority indicator is associated with each of the connections. Each priority indicator is selected from a priority hierarchy having several priority levels which varies from highest priority to lowest priority. Upon detection of the failure of a signalling link or port, every connection associated with the failed signalling link or port is released. The release of the connections takes place at the network entity in a sequence which corresponds to the priority hierarchy. A method and device are also provided for the ordered release of connections carried on a logical truck having a variable capacity, for example an IMA trunk, upon the detection of a reduction in capacity. The IMA trunk may be provided on several physical links. A priority indicator and traffic rate are associated with each of the connections carried on the IMA trunk. Upon detection of the reduction in bandwidth, a group of connections having an aggregate traffic rate corresponding to the reduced capacity of the IMA trunk is selected and the connections of the group are released in a sequence corresponding to the priority hierarchy.

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First Claim