A method to provide a management channel, a line terminator, a first network terminator card and a second network terminator card realizing such a method

摘要

A method is described to provide a management channel for use in a tree like access network including the cascade connection of one common link (L) and dedicated links (L1, L2, L3). The access network includes a line terminator (LT) and a network unit (NU). The method includes the step of determining by the line terminator (LT) a network unit management channel (CH-NU) for a first network terminator card (NTC1) included in the network unit (NU) and coupled to the line terminator (LT) via the common link (L) and a first one of the dedicated links (L2) in order to transport management information from the first network terminator card (NTC1) to the line terminator (LT).;A second network terminator card (NTC2) is included in the network unit (NU) and is coupled to the line terminator (LT) via the common link (L) and a second one of the dedicated links (L3). In the event when the second network terminator card (NTC2) which is stand-by for the first network terminator card (NTC1) becomes active, the same network unit management channel (CH-NU) is used in order to transport the management information from the second network terminator card (NTC2) to the line terminator (LT).