Method and apparatus to compute local repair paths taking into account link resources and attributes

A network node, comprising:

• a processor;
• one or more network interfaces coupled to other network nodes in a computer network;
• and
• a memory adapted to store instructions which are executable by the processor for performing the steps:
• measuring a parameter value associated with a network node or data link in the computer network;
• determining whether the measured parameter value satisfies a predetermined condition;
• and
• transmitting the measured parameter value in an advertisement over the one or more network interfaces if the measured parameter value satisfies the predetermined condition.

A network node, comprising:

• a processor;
• a network interface adapted to receive an advertisement from another network node;
• and
• a memory adapted to store instructions which are executable by the processor for performing the steps:
• receiving the advertisement at the network interface, the advertisement containing a dynamically measured parameter value;
• calculating a lowest-cost local repair path using the received dynamically measured parameter value;
• determining whether the calculated lowest-cost repair path is an acceptable replacement repair path for a currently deployed local repair path;
• and
• replacing the currently deployed local repair path with the calculated lowest-cost repair path in response to determining that the calculated lowest-cost repair path is an acceptable replacement repair path.

An apparatus for dynamically updating local repair paths in a computer network, the method comprising:

• means for measuring a parameter value associated with a network node or data link in the computer network;
• means for determining whether the measured parameter value satisfies a predetermined condition;
• and
• means for disseminating the measured parameter value in the computer network if the measured parameter value satisfies the predetermined condition.