Systems and methods for the implementation of a remote test access feature using virtual connection points and sub-network connections

摘要

The present invention provides systems and methods for the implementation of a remote test access feature using virtual connection points and sub-network connections by the merge-and-split of flexible permanent virtual circuits. The remote test access feature of the present invention represents a highly flexible and fully automated technique that utilizes and exploits a network cloud. A sub-network connection is created between a remote test set and a connection termination point of a circuit of interest through the provision of two endpoints of interest. Subsequently, monitoring and management capabilities are established and operation, administration, and maintenance functions are performed at a centralized location using a network management system. The remote tap used may employ any protection scheme and mesh restore, as necessary, either manually or automatically, in the event of signal degrade or failure scenarios. The endpoint of the remote tap may be selectively changed, and the remote tap re-groomed for a different circuit of interest via a simple point-and-click. Thus, problems anywhere in the transport network may be tracked down.