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Method and apparatus for self-restoring and self-provisioning communication networks

DC CAFC
  • US 4,956,835 A
  • Filed: 10/19/1988
  • Issued: 09/11/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of restoring communications between a pair of nodes in a network having an arbitrary number of nodes and an arbitrary number of spans interconnecting said nodes, each said span having working circuits between nodes designated for transmitting actual communications traffic and spare circuits between nodes capable of, but not designated for, transmitting actual communications traffic, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) establishing one or more independent communication paths between said pair of nodes through a series of spare circuits of spans interconnecting said pair of nodes and other interconnected nodes in said network, including the steps of;

    i. repeatedly transmitting restoration signals along logical spans of spare circuits departing said one node;

    ii. repeatedly retransmitting said restoration signals from said other interconnected nodes along logical spans of spare circuits departing said interconnected nodes; and

    iii. upon receipt of a restoration signal by said other node, transmitting a complement restoration signal from said other node along a path consisting of the same spare circuits along which said restoration signal was communicated to said other node; and

    (b) redirecting communications traffic intended for one or more failed spans interconnecting said pair of nodes through one or more of said paths.

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