Redundant ethernet automatic protection switching access to virtual private LAN services

摘要

Embodiments disclosed herein provide redundant connectivity between an Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) access network and a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) network. A first VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS controller node. A second VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS partner node. The first and second VPLS nodes are linked by a pseudowire and an EAPS shared-link. Additional EAPS nodes are also provided. The additional EAPS nodes are linked to each other and one of the additional EAPS nodes is designated as a master node. Links are also established between the VPLS nodes and the EAPS nodes such that one or more EAPS rings are formed. Each EAPS ring includes the shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes. The EAPS rings are monitored to detect link failures. When a failure of the pseudowire shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes is detected, all pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are disabled if any of the EAPS nodes has a path to both of the VPLS nodes. Otherwise, the existing pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are maintained.