Method and system for operation of a resilient closed communication network without a dedicated protection network segment

Abstract

A method and system for operation of a resilient closed communication network without a dedicated protection network segment. The method uses a resilient closed communication network with at least one communication ring. The method includes the steps of receiving a data packet from a first external network at a first distributing station connected to the network, identifying a second distributing station connected to the network from which the data packet is to be forwarded to a second external network, and determining functioning routes from the first distributing station to the second distributing station. The method also includes the steps of selecting an optimal route among the functioning routes and sending the data packet from the first distributing station to the second distributing station using the optimal route.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for operating a resilient closed communication network comprising at least one communication ring, the method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving a data packet from a first external network at a first distributing station connected to the resilient closed communication network;    identifying a second distributing station connected to the resilient closed communication network from which the data packet is to be forwarded to a second external network;    determining functioning routes from the first distributing station to the second distributing station within the resilient closed communication network;    selecting an optimal route among the functioning routes; and    sending the data packet from the first distributing station to the second distributing station using the optimal route.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein optimization factors including an available traffic volume, an actual distance value, and a preference value are considered in the selecting step.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein no segment of the at least one communication ring is used as a dedicated protection segment.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one communication ring is made with fiber optic cables.