Self-healing mechanisms in ATM networks: the role of virtual path management functions

This paper proposes a new approach of VP testing and reporting functions and highlights the close co-operation that can be established between VP fault management and self-healing mechanisms in order to enhance the efficiency of the distributed recovery approaches in case of failures. The still unused fields in the operation and management flows defined for ATM networks can be reserved for self-healing requirements in order to prepare the restoration and consequently optimise ATM network protection.