摘要 |
A method or corresponding apparatus is employed for distributing media on a ring network. Multiple nodes and communications links are configured to distribute media in the ring network. Distribution of the media is disabled on a communications link between a selected pair of adjacent nodes in the ring network in a manner maintaining communications between the selected pair of adjacent nodes other than for distribution of the media. This configuration results in a "horseshoe" topology of the ring network with respect to the media, where distribution of the media on the ring network occurs in one or two downstream directions from head-end ingress node(s) on the ring network. Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) may be employed to transport the media. In an event of a link or node failure, the disabled link is enabled, allowing for continued distribution of the media with network recovery in a timeframe typically unobservable by an end user.
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