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Method for rerouting a packet-mode data connection

  • US 5,905,714 A
  • Filed: 08/26/1996
  • Issued: 05/18/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for rerouting a packet-mode data connection in a network, in which, between a first node serving a first subscriber and a second node serving a second subscriber, at least two alternatively useful bi-directional communication routes are potentially available for use as alternatives to one another, these comprising at least a first route and a second route, and both of said nodes being capable of buffering data packets which a respective one of said subscribers intends to have transmitted by a respective one of said nodes, to the respective other of said subscribers via the respective other of said nodes, comprising the steps of:

  • while in operation for at least one of sending and receiving data packet traffic to and from one another for respective subscribers, over a respective one of said routes which is currently in use, said first and second nodes listening not only to the respective route in use, but also to a at least another of said routes as a respective alternative route for use as an alternative to said one of said routes which is currently in use;

    either or both of said nodes, in connection with determining to change from sending packet data traffic to the respective other of said nodes via the respective said one of said routes which is currently in use, to a respective alternate route, sending a corresponding message about rerouting to the respective other of said nodes via said respective alternate route; and

    the respective other said nodes, based on the first to occur of reception of a respective said message about rerouting and a practice thereby of said determining, participating with the respective other of said nodes in a rerouting situation which, upon completion, results in said first and second nodes both being in operation for at least one of sending and receiving data packet traffic to and from one another over a respective alternate one of said routes,said determining is practiced by one of said nodes, upon detecting or being informed of a fault in said one of said routes which is currently in use, and said message about rerouting therefore being of a type concerning forced rerouting involving buffering, the respective other of said nodes, upon receiving said message about rerouting,(a) ceasing sending packet data traffic to the respective other of said nodes on said respective one of said routes, and, instead, buffering such traffic;

    (b) testing the condition of said respective one of said routes; and

    (c) upon finding said condition of said respective one of said routes to be faulty, ceasing buffering of such traffic, and initiating sending of such traffic, starting with that which was buffered, to the respective other of said nodes using a respective alternate of one of said routes.

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