Network architecture for critical communications requirements

The authors describe the architecture, algorithms, protocols, and possible uses of a high-speed, demand-assigned network incorporating distributed restoration. Network features include the use of an adaptive, distributed restoration and provisioning algorithm, distributed databases and fiber-associated signaling links which increase the survivability and robustness of the system. The benefit of such a network architecture to users requiring high-speed digital services are that connections (perhaps connecting video or sensor information to collection locations) can be established on-demand, in a manner that bypasses parts of the public switched network (PSN). The restoration aspect of the architecture improves the reliability and survivability of these services in an economic way