Methods and apparatus for monitoring link integrity for signaling traffic over a path traversing hybrid ATM/Ethernet infrastructure in support of packet voice service provisioning

摘要

Methods and apparatus improving availability of voice services controlled via IP signaling links provisioned over converged ATM and Ethernet converged network infrastructure are provided. A media gateway network element implements a Layer-2 signaling link end-to-end monitoring via heartbeat messages formulated at the ATM end to traverse the converged network infrastructure to the Ethernet end. The media gateway is provided with SPVC connectivity information and is made aware of network bridging in order to perform a Layer-2 switchover to a standby signaling link in re-establishing signaling link connectivity with a media gateway controller should a communications fault be detected. The advantages include codeployment with previous media gateway controller implemented techniques, and providing a reduction of overheads for media gateway controller implemented techniques while increasing availability by reducing exposure to service outages.