Hitless node insertion for Ethernet networks

A method of configuring a new node to be inserted into an Ethernet network, said method comprising:

• pre-configuring said new node into a partially configured state and detecting insertion into said Ethernet network;
• blocking all service traffic received from neighboring nodes except Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) traffic or in-band traffic destined to said new node;
• generating and sending false signal failure (SF) messages to keep one or more Ring Protection Links (RPLs) unblocked while said new node is in said partially configured state if Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) messages are detected;
• selecting one of a plurality of bridge ports in said new node as an in-band management port;
• and
• receiving a configuration from a Network Management System (NMS) and once configuration of said new node is complete, setting said new node to a fully configured state and beginning to handle service traffic.

A network device for use in a carrier Ethernet network, said network device comprising:

• a plurality of network ports for interfacing to one or more communication links of the network;
• a group of processors including a network processor and a central processor;
• and
• a non-transitory memory storing executable program code which when executed by the group of processors performs the following:
• receives pre-configuration information via the plurality of network ports for placing the group of processors into a partially configured state;
• blocks all data traffic received via the plurality of ports from neighboring nodes except for Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) traffic and in-band traffic destined to the group of processors;
• generates and sends fake signal failure (SF) messages if Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) messages are detected;
• selects an in-band management port from said plurality of ports which receives a configuration from a Network Management System (NMS) and once configuration of the group of processors is completed, then designates the plurality of processors as being in a fully configured state.

A network device to be inserted into an Ethernet network, said network device comprising:

• a plurality of network ports for interfacing to one or more communication links of the network;
• a group of processors including a network processor and a central processor, the network processor connected to the network ports, the network processing including an ingress packet processor and an egress packet processor;
• and
• a non-transitory memory storing executable program code and data;
• the central processor connected to the network processor, the central processor unit connected to the memory;
• the executable program code, when executed by the group of processors, performing the following:
• pre-configuring the group of processors into a partially configured state and detecting insertion into said Ethernet network;
• blocking all service traffic received via the plurality of ports from neighboring nodes except Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) traffic and in-band traffic destined to the group of processors;
• generating and sending false signal failure (SF) messages to keep one or more Ring Protection Links (RPLs) unblocked while the group of processors is in said partially configured state if Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) messages are detected;
• selecting one of the plurality of ports as an in-band management port which receives a configuration from a Network Management System (NMS) and once configuration of the group of processors is completed, then designating the plurality of processors as being in a fully configured state and beginning to handle service traffic.