Optimization of connection paths in a communications network

A method of optimizing a connection path in a communications network having a plurality of interconnected exchanges, the method comprising:

• (a) selecting an established call, the call being associated with a path metric of interest and routed across the network from an originating exchange to a destination exchange over a first connection path;
• (b) signaling a call set-up message to the destination exchange from the originating exchange for a second connection path, wherein the message incorporates a reporting field and each exchange propagating the message updates the reporting field until it specifies the actual path metric of the second connection path;
• (c) signaling a connect message incorporating the reporting field back to the originating exchange from the destination exchange;
• and
• (d) directing the call over the second connection path provided it features an actual path metric which improves upon the actual path metric of the first connection path.

A method of optimizing a connection path in a communications network having a plurality of interconnected exchanges, the method comprising:

• (a) selecting an established call, the call being routed across the network from an originating exchange to a destination exchange over a first connection path which is associated with a path metric of interest;
• (b) signaling a call set-up message from the originating exchange to the destination exchange over the network, wherein the call set-up message incorporates a desired connection path metric value and a corresponding reporting field, and wherein each exchange propagating the call set-up message updates the reporting field;
• (c) clearing back the call set-up message in the event the network is unable to identify any connection path to the destination exchange satisfying the desired path metric, and signaling a connect message back to the originating exchange from the destination exchange in the event the network is able to identify a new connection path satisfying the desired path metric;
• and
• (d) directing the call over the new connection path.

A method of establishing calls in an ATM network running PNNI, comprising;

• (a) assigning a pre-provisioned administrative weight to each physical network element belonging to a predefined type of topological element;
• (b) signaling a call sat-up message to a destination exchange from an originating exchange over a connection path, wherein said message incorporates a cumulative administrative weight reporting field and each transiting exchange propagating said message adds the pre-provisioned administrative weights of topological elements associated therewith until said reporting field specifies the cumulative administrative weight of said connection path;
• (c) establishing bearer channel cross-connections on said nodes traversing said connection path;
• and
• (d) signaling a connect message incorporating said reporting field back to said originating exchange from said destination exchange.