Improvements in or relating to networks
AssigneeTelefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
InventorsJames Hayden, Jonathan Oldershaw
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A network comprising a plurality of nodes (10-17) interconnected by communication links (20-27), wherein the nodes comprise pairs of nodes (10, 17) configured as maintenance end points. Each maintenance end point of each pair is configured to transmit continuity check messages to the other maintenance end point of the pair. Each maintenance end point is arranged to transmit a continuity check message according to a schedule such that an impact of transmission of the continuity check message on the network resources is reduced.
Claims23
-27. (canceled)
A network, comprising:
- a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes comprising pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points (MEPs), wherein each MEP of each pair is configured to transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to the other MEP of the pair, and each MEP is arranged to transmit a CCM in accordance with a schedule such that an impact of transmission of CCMs on network resources is reduced.
A method of configuring a network that includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes including pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points (MEPs), and each MEP of each pair being configured to transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to the other MEP of the pair, the method comprising configuring each MEP to transmit a CCM in accordance with a schedule such that an impact of transmission of the CCMs on network resources is reduced.
A method of determining a time at which maintenance end points (MEPs) of a network transmit continuity check messages (CCMs), comprising:
- dividing a prescribed time period into a set number of time slices;
- and
- sequentially allocating time slices to transmissions of CCMs by MEPs until all MEPs have been allocated a time for transmission of a CCM;
- wherein each MEP is allocated a different time for transmission of a CCM unless all time slices have been allocated, whereupon more than one transmission of a CCM by a MEP is allocated to each time slice.
A management system for a network having a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes including pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points (MEPs) that transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to each other, wherein the management system, when connected in the network, is arranged to control each MEP to transmit a CCM in accordance with a schedule such that an impact of transmission of the CCMs on network resources is reduced.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored instructions that, when executed by a computer in a network having a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes including pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points (MEPs) that transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to each other, cause each MEP to transmit a CCM in accordance with a schedule such that an impact of transmission of the CCMs on network resources is reduced
A network node for a network having a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes including pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points, the network node comprising a processor and a memory configured to work as a maintenance end point pair-wise with a second maintenance end point and to transmit continuity check messages to the second maintenance end point, wherein the network node is arranged to transmit the continuity check messages in accordance with a schedule such that an impact of transmission of the continuity check messages on network resources is reduced.
A network, comprising:
- a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes comprising pairs of nodes configured as maintenance end points (MEPs) that transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to each other, each CCM comprising sent count data on a number of data frames that have been sent from a MEP to the other MEP of the pair, received count data on a number of data frames received by the MEP from the other MEP of the pair, and a copy of sent count data contained in a last CCM received by the MEP from the other MEP of the pair, wherein each MEP is arranged to store in memory the sent count data and to compare stored sent count data to the copy of sent count data contained in CCMs received from the other MEP of the pair to determine if a CCM was lost.
A maintenance end point (MEP) for a network having a plurality of nodes interconnected by communication links, the plurality of nodes comprising pairs of nodes configured as MEPs that transmit continuity check messages (CCMs) to each other, each CCM including sent count data on a number of data frames that have been sent from a MEP to the other MEP of the pair, received count data on a number of data frames received by the MEP from the other MEP of the pair, and a copy of sent count data contained in a last CCM received by the MEP from the other MEP of the pair, wherein each MEP is arranged to store in memory the sent count data and to compare stored sent count data to the copy of sent count data contained in a CCM received from the other MEP of the pair to determine if a CCM was lost.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.