| 摘要 |
The present invention utilizes control plane signaling to dynamically configure flexible, existential ports. The ports are referred to as existential as their nature can change over time depending on the present need of the network, and because the ports are flexible and reconfigurable to a plurality of bit rates and protocols. The present invention removes the constraints of provisioning individual ports and connections, such as from a network management system, and integrates the concept of flexible ports with signaling and control plane methods utilized for routing in modem networks. Advantageously, the present invention extends service providers' investments in equipment, and reduces operating expenses in providing systems that are able to dynamically deal with various network configurations and with low touch by automatically performing provisioning. The methods and systems of the present invention can be extended to other networks utilizing flexible ports, such as wireless radios and the like.
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