Method and apparatus for fault tolerant permanent voice calls in voice-over-packet systems

• US 7,068,594 B1
• Filed: 02/26/1999
• Issued: 06/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Tasker, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Ton, Dang
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mehra, Inder Pal
• Application Number:
  US09/258,674
• Time in Patent Office: 2,678 Days
• Field of Search: 370/217, 370/218, 370/219, 370/220, 370/221, 370/254, 370/351, 370/395.32, 370/396, 370/400, 370/401, 370/408, 370/225, 370/255
• US Class Current: 370/217
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/1605 Fixed allocated frame structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/6418 Hybrid transport

Abstract

A Multiservice Access Concentrator (MAC) is provided that provides fault tolerant permanent voice calls in a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS). The MAC sets up at least one permanent voice call by coupling a number of nodes in series using a voice-over-packet protocol and a set of primary connection bindings. Furthermore, at least one set of alternate connection bindings are defined for the permanent voice call. At least one preference-based list is generated comprising the sets of alternate connection bindings. Each node operating with the voice-over-packet protocol is capable of determining at least one out-of-service state for the node. A failure of at least one of the series nodes is detected by the node. A reconnection relationship is established between nodes on either side of a node determined to be out of service. The permanent voice call connection is automatically re-established or reconnected using at least one alternate node. The permanent voice call of an embodiment is transmitted over a Frame Relay network in accordance with a standard comprising a Frame Relay Forum FRF.11 Implementation Agreement.

Claims

1. A method for fault tolerant permanent voice calls in a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS), comprising the steps of:

setting up at least one permanent voice call by coupling a plurality of nodes in series using a voice-over-packet protocol;

detecting a failure of at least one of the plurality of nodes;

automatically re-establishing the at least one permanent voice call connection using at least one alternate intermediate node and at least one alternate end-point node;

defining at least one set of primary connection bindings for a permanent voice call between a first and a second port;

defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings for the permanent voice call;

generating at least one preference-based list comprising the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node, a determination made by the at least one node;

establishing a reconnection relationship between at least one node on either side of at least one out-of-service node; and

reconnecting the permanent voice call using one of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting the permanent voice call over a Frame Relay network in accordance with a standard comprising a Frame Relay Forum FRF.11 Implementation Agreement.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node comprises the steps of:

configuring a first signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by at least one voice port to at least one private branch exchange;

configuring a second signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by the at least one private branch exchange to the at least one voice port;

configuring a timing interval for transmission of keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets by the at least one voice port into at least one FRF.II connection, wherein the timing interval is user configurable;

configuring an initial timeout period to infer an initial failure in the absence of receipt of FRF.II signaling packets;

configuring a subsequent timeout period to infer a subsequent failure in an absence of receipt of FRF.II signaling packets following a prior state in which FRF.II signaling packets are received;

configuring a first timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one voice port when the first signaling bit pattern matches a VOPS out-of-service pattern; and

configuring a second timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one private branch exchange when the second signaling bit pattern matches a private branch exchange out-of-service pattern.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of establishing a reconnection relationship comprises the steps of:

configuring a first node on a first side of at least one out-of-service node as a master node; and

configuring a second node on a second side of the at least one out-of-service node as a slave node.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the master node comprises an initial state and a connected state of operation.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the initial state of operation comprises the steps of:

determining availability of a primary network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of the primary connection bindings;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by a private branch exchange;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the primary network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein when the initial timeout period is determined to be expired or when the primary network connection path is determined to be unavailable, an initial phase of operation comprises the steps of:

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining availability of the alternate network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of a selected set of alternate connection bindings;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the alternate i network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by the private branch exchange;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the slave node:

operates in a mute state until at least one FRF.11 signaling packet is received from the master node; and

transmits at least one slave node FRF.11 signaling packet in response to receipt of the at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the master node.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein upon the receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path an initial phase of operation comprises the steps of:

monitoring for expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

switching connection from the primary network connection path to the selected alternate network connection path;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

selecting a next preferred alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the initial timeout period in the absence of receipt of the at least one FRF.11 signaling packet over the alternate network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

continuing to monitor the primary network connection path for a receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet upon selection of any alternate network connection path; and

selecting the primary network connection path upon receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet via the primary network connection path.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one node comprises at least one end-point node and at least one intermediate node.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of configuring at least one node between the first and the second ports as the at least one intermediate node, wherein the step of configuring comprises the steps of:

receiving a first signaling packet at the at least one intermediate node from a first direction via a first connection path;

designating the first connection path as an active path for the first direction;

forwarding the first signaling packet to an active path for a second direction;

setting a second active path connection timer to zero;

changing the active path for a second direction to at least one next available path according to a predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding an initial timer period prior to receipt of a second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

replacing the initial timer period with a secondary timer period in response to receipt of the second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

changing the active path for a second direction to the at least one next available path according to the predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding the secondary timer period.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first port is on a first private branch exchange and the second port is on a second private branch exchange.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein elements of the at least one set of primary connection bindings overlap with elements of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of defining at least one set of primary connection bindings comprises the steps of:

binding at least one voice port to at least one network interface;

selecting at least one data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one data PVC within the at least one network interface;

selecting a permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing a connection with at least one Frame Relay network.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of selecting at least one sub-channel within the at least one data PVC.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection, wherein the step of forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection comprises the steps of:

selecting a first data PVC in at least one intermediate node;

creating the first data PVC within a first network interface;

selecting a second data PVC in the at least one intermediate node;

creating the second data PVC within a second network interface;

binding the first data PVC and the second data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the first network interface are forwarded to the second network interface.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

selecting a first sub-channel within the first data PVC;

selecting a second sub-channel within the second data PVC; and

binding the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings comprises the steps of:

binding the at least one voice port to at least one alternate network interface;

selecting at least one alternate data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one alternate data PVC within the at least one alternate network interface;

selecting the permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing the connection with the at least one Frame Relay network.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of selecting at least one alternate sub-channel within the at least one alternate data PVC.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection, wherein the step of forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection comprises the steps of:

selecting a third data PVC in at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the third data PVC within a third network interface;

selecting a fourth data PVC in the at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the fourth data PVC within a fourth network interface;

binding the third data PVC and the fourth data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the third network interface are forwarded to the fourth network interface.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

selecting a third sub-channel within the third data PVC;

selecting a fourth sub-channel within the fourth data PVC; and

binding the third sub-channel and the fourth sub-channel.

23. The method of claim 2, wherein the voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS) comprises Asynchronous Transfer Mode (A TM), Frame Relay, High-level Data Link Control (HDLC), Internet Protocol (IP), and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) networks.

24. An apparatus for fault tolerant permanent voice calls in a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS), the apparatus comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one input coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one input capable of receiving a permanent voice call, the processor configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by, setting up at least one permanent voice call by coupling a plurality of nodes in series using a voice-over-packet protocol;

detecting a failure of at least one of the plurality of nodes;

automatically re-establishing the at least one permanent voice call connection using at least one alternate intermediate node and at least one alternate end-point node;

at least one output coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one output capable of providing the permanent voice call, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by;

defining at least one set of primary connection bindings for a permanent voice call between a first and a second port;

defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings for the permanent voice call;

generating at least one preference-based list comprising the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node, a determination made by the at least one node;

establishing a reconnection relationship between at least one node on either side of at least one out-of-service node; and

reconnecting the permanent voice call using one of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by transmitting the permanent voice call over a Frame Relay network in accordance with a standard comprising a Frame Relay Forum FRF.11 Implementation Agreement.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node comprises:

configuring a first signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by at least one voice port to at least one private branch exchange;

configuring a second signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by the at least one private branch exchange to the at least one voice port;

configuring a timing interval for transmission of keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets by the at least one voice port into at least one FRF.11 connection, wherein the timing interval is user configurable;

configuring an initial timeout period to infer an initial failure in an absence of receipt of FRF.11 signaling packets;

configuring a subsequent timeout period to infer a subsequent failure in the absence of receipt of FRF.11 signaling packets following a prior state in which FRF.11 signaling packets are received;

configuring a first timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one voice port when the first signaling bit pattern matches a VOPS out-of-service pattern; and

configuring a second timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one private branch exchange when the second signaling bit pattern matches a private branch exchange out-of-service pattern.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein establishing a reconnection relationship comprises:

configuring a first node on a first side of at least one out-of-service node as a master node; and

configuring a second node on a second side of the at least one out-of-service node as a slave node.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the master node comprises an initial state and a connected state of operation.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the initial state of operation 2 comprises:

determining availability of a primary network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of the primary connection bindings;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by a private branch exchange;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the primary network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein when the initial timeout period is determined to be expired or when the primary network connection path is determined to be unavailable, an initial phase of operation comprises:

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining availability of the alternate network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of a selected set of alternate connection bindings;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the alternate network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by the private branch exchange;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the slave node:

operates in a mute state until at least one FRF.11 signaling packet is received from the master node; and

transmits at least one slave node FRF.11 signaling packet in response to receipt of the at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the master node.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein upon the receipt of at least one FRF.II signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path an initial phase of operation comprises:

monitoring for expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

switching connection from the primary network connection path to the selected alternate network connection path;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.II signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

selecting a next preferred alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the initial timeout period in the absence of receipt of the at least one FRF.II signaling packet over the alternate network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by:

continuing to monitor the primary network connection path for a receipt of at least one FRF.II signaling packet upon selection of any alternate network connection path; and

selecting the primary network connection path upon receipt of at least one FRF.II signaling packet via the primary network connection path.

34. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one node comprises at least one end-point node and at least one intermediate node, wherein elements of the at least one set of primary connection bindings overlap with elements of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by configuring at least one node between the first and the second ports as the at least one intermediate node, wherein configuring comprises:

receiving a first signaling packet at the at least one intermediate node, from a first direction via a first connection path;

designating the first connection path as an active path for the first direction;

forwarding the first signaling packet to an active path for a second direction;

setting a second active path connection timer to zero;

changing the active path for a second direction to at least one next available path according to a predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding an initial timer period prior to receipt of a second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

replacing the initial timer period with a secondary timer period in response to receipt of the second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

changing the active path for a second direction to the at least one next available path according to the predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding the secondary timer period.

36. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein defining at least one set of primary connection bindings comprises:

binding at least one voice port to at least one network interface;

selecting at least one data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one data PVC within the at least one network interface;

selecting a permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing a connection with at least one Frame Relay network.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by selecting at least one sub-channel within the at least one data PVC.

38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection, wherein forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection comprises:

selecting a first data PVC in at least one intermediate node;

creating the first data PVC within a first network interface;

selecting a second data PVC in the at least one intermediate node;

creating the second data PVC within a second network interface;

binding the first data PVC and the second data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the first network interface are forwarded to the second network interface.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by:

selecting a first sub-channel within the first data PVC;

selecting a second sub-channel within the second data PVC; and

binding the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings comprises:

binding the at least one voice port to at least one alternate network interface;

selecting at least one alternate data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one alternate data PVC within the at least one alternate network interface;

selecting the permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing the connection with the at least one Frame Relay network.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by selecting at least one alternate sub-channel within the at least one alternate data PVC.

42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection, wherein forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection comprises:

selecting a third data PVC in at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the third data PVC within a third network interface;

selecting a fourth data PVC in the at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the fourth data PVC within a fourth network interface;

binding the third data PVC and the fourth data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the third network interface are forwarded to the fourth network interface.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the processor is further configured to control the apparatus to provide fault tolerant permanent voice calls by:

selecting a third sub-channel within the third data PVC;

selecting a fourth sub-channel within the fourth data PVC; and

binding the third sub-channel and the fourth sub-channel.

44. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS) comprises Asynchronous Transfer Mode (A TM), Frame Relay, High-level Data Link Control (HDLC), Internet Protocol (IP), and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) networks.

45. A computer readable medium containing executable instructions which, when executed in a Processing system, causes the system to perform the steps of a method for fault tolerant permanent voice calls in a voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS), the method comprising the steps of:

setting up at least one permanent voice call by coupling a plurality of nodes in series using a voice-over-packet protocol;

detecting a failure of at least one of the Plurality of nodes;

automatically re-establishing the at least one permanent voice call connection using at least one alternate intermediate node and at least one alternate end-point node;

defining at least one set of primary connection bindings for a permanent voice call between a first and a second port;

defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings for the permanent voice call;

generating at least one preference-based list comprising the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node, a determination made by the at least one node;

establishing a reconnection relationship between at least one node on either side of at least one out-of-service node; and

reconnecting the permanent voice call using one of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

46. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein the method further comprises the step of transmitting the permanent voice call over a Frame Relay network in accordance with a standard comprising a Frame Relay Forum FRF.11 Implementation Agreement.

47. The computer readable medium of claim 46, wherein the step of determining at least one out-of-service state for at least one node comprises the steps of:

configuring a first signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by at least one voice port to at least one private branch exchange;

configuring a second signaling bit pattern to represent an out-of-service state transmitted by the at least one private branch exchange to the at least one voice port;

configuring a timing interval for transmission of keep-alive FRF.II signaling packets by the at least one voice port into at least one FRF.II connection, wherein the timing interval is user configurable;

configuring an initial timeout period to infer an initial failure in an absence of receipt of FRF.II signaling packets;

configuring a subsequent timeout period to infer a subsequent failure in the absence of receipt of FRF.II signaling packets following a prior state in which FRF.II signaling packets are received;

configuring a first timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one voice port when the first signaling bit pattern matches a VOPS out-of-service pattern; and

configuring a second timing period, wherein an out-of-service condition is determined from the at least one private branch exchange when the second signaling bit pattern matches a private branch exchange out-of-service pattern.

48. The computer readable medium of claim 47, wherein the step of establishing a reconnection relationship comprises the steps of:

configuring a first node on a first side of at least one out-of-service node as a master node; and

configuring a second node on a second side of the at least one out-of-service node as a slave node.

49. The computer readable medium of claim 48, wherein the master node comprises an initial state and a connected state of operation.

50. The computer readable medium of claim 49, wherein the initial state of operation comprises the steps of:

determining availability of a primary network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of the primary connection bindings;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by a private branch exchange;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the primary network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

51. The computer readable medium of claim 50, wherein when the initial timeout period is determined to be expired or when the primary network connection path is determined to be unavailable, an initial phase of operation comprises the steps of:

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings;

determining availability of the alternate network connection path based on a physical link state and a logical link state of the selected set of alternate connection bindings;

transmitting keep-alive FRF.11 signaling packets using the alternate network connection path;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

determining an out-of-service condition presented by the private branch exchange;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

52. The computer readable medium of claim 48, wherein the slave node:

operates in a mute state until at least one FRF.11 signaling packet is received from the master node; and

transmits at least one slave node FRF.II signaling packet in response to receipt of the at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from the master node.

53. The computer readable medium of claim 50, wherein upon the receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet from a terminal voice port via the primary network connection path an initial phase of operation comprises the steps of:

monitoring for expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

selecting an alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the subsequent timeout period;

switching connection from the primary network connection path to the selected alternate network connection path;

monitoring for expiration of the initial timeout period;

monitoring for receipt of at least one FRF.II signaling packet from the terminal voice port via the alternate network connection path;

selecting a next preferred alternate network connection path from the at least one set of alternate connection bindings in response to a determined expiration of the initial timeout period in the absence of receipt of the at least one FRF.II signaling packet over the alternate network connection path;

connecting to the slave node; and

placing the master node in the connected state.

54. The computer readable medium of claim 53, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

continuing to monitor the primary network connection path for a receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet upon selection of any alternate network connection path; and

selecting the primary network connection path upon receipt of at least one FRF.11 signaling packet via the primary network connection path.

55. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein elements of the at least one set of primary connection bindings overlap with elements of the at least one set of alternate connection bindings.

56. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein the step of defining at least one set of primary connection bindings comprises the steps of:

binding at least one voice port to at least one network interface;

selecting at least one data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one data PVC within the at least one network interface;

selecting a permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing a connection with at least one Frame Relay network.

57. The computer readable medium of claim 56, wherein the method further comprises the step of selecting at least one sub-channel within the at least one data PVC.

58. The computer readable medium of claim 56, wherein the method further comprises the step of forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection, wherein the step of forming at least one intermediate forwarding connection comprises the steps of:

selecting a first data PVC in at least one intermediate node;

creating the first data PVC within a first network interface;

selecting a second data PVC in the at least one intermediate node;

creating the second data PVC within a second network interface;

binding the first data PVC and the second data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the first network interface are forwarded to the second network interface.

59. The computer readable medium of claim 58, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

selecting a first sub-channel within the first data PVC;

selecting a second sub-channel within the second data PVC; and

binding the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

60. The computer readable medium of claim 56, wherein the step of defining at least one set of alternate connection bindings comprises the steps of:

binding the at least one voice port to at least one alternate network interface;

selecting at least one alternate data permanent virtual circuit (PVC);

creating the at least one alternate data PVC within the at least one alternate network interface;

selecting the permanent call connection protocol; and

establishing the connection with the at least one Frame Relay network.

61. The computer readable medium of claim 60, wherein the method further comprises the step of selecting at least one alternate sub-channel within the at least one alternate data PVC.

62. The computer readable medium of claim 60, wherein the method further comprises the step of forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection, wherein the step of forming at least one alternate intermediate forwarding connection comprises the steps of:

selecting a third data PVC in at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the third data PVC within a third network interface;

selecting a fourth data PVC in the at least one alternate intermediate node;

creating the fourth data PVC within a fourth network interface;

a binding the third data PVC and the fourth data PVC; and

forming a bi-directional forwarding link, wherein packets arriving at the third network interface are forwarded to the fourth network interface.

63. The computer readable medium of claim 62, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

selecting a third sub-channel within the third data PVC;

selecting a fourth sub-channel within the fourth data PVC; and

binding the third sub-channel and the fourth sub-channel.

64. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein the method further comprises the step of configuring at least one node between the first and the second ports as the at least one intermediate node, wherein the step of configuring comprises the steps of:

receiving a first signaling packet at the at least one intermediate node from a first direction via a first connection path;

designating the first connection path as an active path for the first direction;

forwarding the first signaling packet to an active path for a second direction;

setting a second active path connection timer to zero;

changing the active path for a second direction to at least one next available path according to a predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding an initial timer period prior to receipt of a second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

replacing the initial timer period with a secondary timer period in response to receipt of the second signaling packet via the active path for a second direction;

changing the active path for a second direction to the at least one next available path according to the predefined path precedence order in response to the second active path connection timer exceeding the secondary timer period.

65. The computer readable medium of claim 45, wherein the voice over packet-data-network system (VOPS) comprises Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, High-level Data Link Control (HDLC), Internet Protocol 4 (IP), and Time Division Multiplex (TDM) networks.