Methods for finding a merge point node for MPLS fast re-route

A network element, the network element being arranged to find a merge point between a primary LSP and a backup LSP associated with the network element, the network element comprising:

• means for obtaining a first identifier from a record route object associated with the primary LSP, the first identifier being arranged to identify a first node included in the primary LSP;
• and
• means for comparing the identifying information from the record route object associated with the primary LSP with a second identifier associated with the backup LSP to identify the merge point, the backup LSP having a head-end and a tail-end that are in different regions;
• whereby the backup LSP operates across the different regions.

A method for identifying a merge point between a primary LSP and a backup LSP in a network that supports multi-protocol label switching fast reroute, the backup LSP being arranged to bypass an element in the primary LSP, the method comprising:

• obtaining a flag from a record route object associated with the primary LSP, the flag being arranged to indicate when a node address is stored in the record route object;
• obtaining the node address from the record route object when it is determined that the flag indicates that the node address is stored in the record route object;
• comparing the node address to a node identifier associated with a tail-end of the backup LSP to determine when the node address substantially matches the node identifier when it is determined that the flag indicates that the node address is stored in the record route object;
• and
• identifying the merge point when it is determined that the node address substantially matches the node identifier.

A network element, the network element being arranged to identify a merge point between a primary LSP and a backup LSP in a network that supports multi-protocol label switching fast reroute, the backup LSP being arranged to bypass an element in the primary LSP, the network element comprising:

• means for obtaining a flag from a record route object associated with the primary LSP, the flag being arranged to indicate when a node address is stored in the record route object;
• means for obtaining the node address from the record route object when it is determined that the flag indicates that the node address is stored in the record route object;
• means for comparing the node address to a node identifier associated with a tail-end of the backup LSP to determine when the node address substantially matches the node identifier when it is determined that the flag indicates that the node address is stored in the record route object;
• and
• means for identifying the merge point when it is determined that the node address substantially matches the node identifier.