DE102008055967B4 - Endpoint addressing method, and dedicated network and access node - Google Patents

Abstract

Method (100) for addressing endpoints (TEa, ... TEz) in a network (NW), which has an access node (AN) and a service node (SN) that can be connected to it, with at least one interface (PRT) of the access node ( AN) the network access for the end points (TEa, ... TEz) is established and the access node (AN) the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) of the connected end points (TEa, ... TEz) managed, characterized in that according to a predeterminable algorithm (vMAlg) virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) are formed by the access node (AN) which the network addresses (MACa, ... vMACz) of the end nodes (TEa, ... TEz) that at least one of the virtual network addresses (vMACa) is formed by the service node (SN) according to the same algorithm (vMAlg ') in order to send a message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the access node (AN), using an implementation function (IWF) the at least one virtual network address (vMACa) formed is converted into the corresponding network address (MACa) in order to transmit the message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the end point (TEa).

Description

The invention relates to a method for addressing at least one end point in a network according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a network configured therefor and an access node according to the preamble of one of the independent claims. In particular, the invention relates to end point addressing in a network having an access node and a service node connectable thereto, wherein at least one interface of the access node establishes network access for the at least one endpoint and the access node manages the network addresses of the connected endpoints.

The invention should be particularly suitable for applications in broadband access networks, the Internet access for subscriber terminals via network elements such. DSL modem, DSL access multiplexer, and broadband IP access node, and effectively enable operation and maintenance (OAM) to be performed.

Wideband Ethernet-based access networks are known from the prior art, in which so-called Ethernet OAM messages are transmitted between endpoints (Maintenance Entity Points) and defined intermediate points (Maintenance Intermediate Points) as part of operating and maintenance tasks.

The 1 schematically shows the structure of such a conventional network NW having an access node AN and a service node SN connectable thereto, wherein via at least one interface or port PRT of the access node AN the network access for the at least one endpoint, here for several endpoints (MEP: Maintenance Entity Point) MEPa to MEPz. These endpoints can be z. B. subscriber terminals TEa to TEz or access devices such. As DSL modems to be. The access node AN is usually a DSL multiplexer demultiplexer, which manages the network addresses MACa to MACz of the connected end points TEa to TEz. The network addresses are usually so-called MAC addresses (MAC: Media Access Control). Also, the access point AN itself as well as the service node SN each have their own network address, namely MAC # or MAC0.

Because without knowledge of the respective network addresses, no connection and transmission of messages would be possible among the participating nodes. Between the access node AN and the service node SN, further nodes xN can be interposed therebetween. Usually, however, the respective source MAC address of the end points TEa to TEz is not forwarded to the other nodes, but their knowledge remains in the access node AN. The access node AN, in turn, assigns to the known real source MAC addresses MACa to MACz virtual source MAC addresses vMACa to vMACz and only forwards them to the other network elements. If at least the virtual addresses are known and assigned to a real existing endpoint address, messages can also be directed to the individual endpoints TEa to TEz from the network side, in particular from the service node SN. The form and coding of such messages is defined in the standards of ITU-T (Y.1731) and IEEE (802.1ag, 802.1ah). However, these standards only address the definition of the PDU formats (PDU: Protocol Data Unit) and mechanisms. In particular, it is not specified there how the address of the respective end point (so-called OAM sink) could reach the service point or starting point (so-called OAM source) in an Ethernet network. However, only by knowing the network address of an end point (MEP: Maintenance Entity Point) can a corresponding message flow, so-called OAM Flow, be established. In addition, it should be noted that the network addresses of the endpoints often only have a predetermined validity period, and thus it may happen that a message that is addressed to an endpoint is provided with an already expired address.

The US 2008/0270673 A1 describes a method for addressing endpoints in a network in which the service node (BRAS in 3 ) even by means of a learning method ("learning method 350 in 5 ) can form a virtual MAC address which represents the interface ("bridge port") in an access node (DSLAM in 3 ) represents at which at least one terminal (CPE in 3 ) connected. Either the service node is preconfigured and already has virtual MAC addresses stored. Or, the service node uses the known hierarchy (eg, the physical position of the interface or so-called rack-shelf-slot-port authentication) within the access network to calculate the virtual MAC addresses. With the aid of this virtual MAC address, a first message ("unicast loopback message") is sent from the service node (BRAS) in the direction of the access node (DSLAM). Those access nodes that do not recognize the virtual MAC address discard this message. Only the access node which also recognizes the MAC address sends out a second message ("multicast loopback message") so that all the terminals connected to the interface receive this message. The addressed terminal responds with a third message ("unicast loopback reply message"), so that the service node now knows the real MAC address of the terminal and a message flow (OAM flow) can be established. However, this known method is complicated, since three messages must be transmitted in the network, whereby initially all connected to the interface terminals are addressed.

It is therefore the object of the invention to improve a method of the type mentioned at the outset as well as a network operating thereafter and a corresponding access node such that the abovementioned disadvantages are advantageously overcome. In particular, a secure and always feasible message transmission in the context of operating and maintenance tasks should be possible.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a network and an access node having the features of the corresponding independent claim.

Accordingly, it is proposed that the access node according to a predetermined algorithm virtual network addresses are formed, which are assigned to the network addresses of the end nodes that is formed by the service node according to the same algorithm if necessary, at least one of the virtual network addresses to one to a first send the desired endpoint addressed message to the access node, which is then converted by means of a conversion function, the virtual network address in the corresponding network address to send the message to the endpoint.

Thus, both at the access node and at the service node alike and in particular synchronously the formation of virtual addresses is performed, ensuring by using the same algorithm that the service node only those virtual addresses that are known in the access node and at least the interface to the desired Endpoint, but in particular the real endpoint address desired endpoint can be assigned, so that the message can reach the endpoint. The invention also has the advantage that the access node does not alone generate virtual addresses and then the service node, for. B. via a control channel must communicate. In connection with OAM functions (OAM: Operations and Maintenance) there is the advantage that the absolutely necessary endpoint addresses do not have to be provided in an administrative manner, but are equally determined or calculated by the method according to the invention at the nodes involved. It is also not necessary to learn the addresses, as a result of which storage space requirements, in particular in the access node, can be significantly reduced. The determination or calculation of the endpoint address takes place only when the operator is using the OAM functionality. A preliminary calculation, storage or configuration is not required.

In particular, the invention provides a solution that allows the endpoint address to be determined in a Carrier Class Ethernet, without the need for a particular mechanism or channel from the OAM sink, in particular the access node, to the OAM source , in particular the service node or BRAS (Broadband Remote Access Server) must be transmitted.

Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Preferably, a predefinable number of virtual network addresses is formed by means of the algorithm for the interface. As a result, a defined pool of virtual addresses is formed for each interface or each port, thus ensuring that the service node always forms valid virtual addresses.

It is also advantageous if the virtual network addresses are formed by means of the algorithm in dependence on at least one property of the interface. Such properties can z. B. the structure, in particular the structure or Hierachie of hardware and / or software units, the access node concern. In this context, the dependency for the formation of the virtual network addresses may preferably be stored in a network node that can be connected to the service node. The network node may be outside the reference circle of the network presented here and in particular contain a database, is deposited in the association between ports and virtual addresses.

In the method according to the invention, the conversion function is preferably carried out by checking, at each message coming from the service node and directed to one of the end points, whether the network address in the access node is known for the respective end point, and if this is not the case is, the message is forwarded via a common address via the interface. Thus, an intelligent function for implementing the addressing, namely the interworking function according to the invention, is used, which, in the event that no valid address of the respective end node is known, uses a collection address (so-called broadcast address). The invention is also based on the finding that even by means of such a general address, the message can be forwarded exactly to the endpoint, since the respective endpoint on the its assigned interface (port) is connected. Therefore, despite the use of such a group or group address, the forwarding can be made specifically to the desired endpoint.

In the method proposed here, the network addresses of the connected end points can be managed by the access node by the network addresses of the connected endpoints are determined and stored, in particular those network addresses are determined and renewed continuously, which have only a predeterminable period of validity. Also, the virtual network addresses may be formed by the access node and the service node so as not to notify the network nodes of the network addresses of the terminals, but only the virtual network addresses.

• – von dem Zugangsknoten werden mittels des Algorithmus die virtuelle Netzwerk-Adressen gebildet;
• – von dem Zugangsknoten werden die virtuellen Netzwerk-Adressen der mindestens einen Schnittstelle und/oder den Netzwerk-Adressen der angeschlossenen Endpunkten zugeordnet;
• – von dem Diensteknoten wird mittels desselben Algorithmus zumindest eine der virtuelle Netzwerk-Adressen gebildet;
• – von einer mit dem Netzwerk verbindbaren Instanz wird der Dienstknoten angestoßen, um die an den jeweiligen Endpunkt gerichtete Nachricht an den Zugangsknoten zu senden;
• – von dem Dienstknoten wird eine der virtuellen Netzwerk-Adressen verwendet, um die an den jeweiligen Endpunkt gerichtete Nachricht (OAM-MSG; LBM; LTM) an den Zugangsknoten zu senden;
• – in dem Zugangsknoten wird die Umsetzungs-Funktion durchführt, indem geprüft wird, ob für diesen Endpunkt die Netzwerk-Adresse in dem Zugangsknoten bekannt ist, wobei:
• – die Nachricht mittels der Netzwerk-Adresse des Endknotens über die Schnittstelle weitergeleitet wird, falls diese Netzwerk-Adresse bekannt ist; oder
• – die eingehende Nachricht mittels der Sammeladresse über die Schnittstelle weitergeleitet wird, falls die Netzwerk-Adresse des Endknotens nicht bekannt ist, oder die Gültigkeitsdauer der Netzwerk-Adresse abgelaufen ist;
• – von dem Endknoten, an den die Nachricht gerichtet ist, wird eine Antwort-Nachricht für den Diensteknoten zunächst an den Zugangsknoten gesendet;
• – in dem Zugangsknoten wird die Umsetzungs-Funktion durchführt, um die Antwort-Nachricht mittels einer dem Dienstknoten zugeordneten Netzwerk-Adresse an den Diensteknoten weiterzuleiten.

In the method according to the invention, at least one of the following steps is preferably carried out:

• The virtual network addresses are formed by the access node by means of the algorithm;
• The virtual network addresses of the at least one interface and / or the network addresses of the connected end points are assigned by the access node;
• At least one of the virtual network addresses is formed by the service node by means of the same algorithm;
• From an entity connectable to the network, the service node is triggered to send the message addressed to the respective endpoint to the access node;
• One of the virtual network addresses is used by the service node to send the message (OAM MSG, LBM, LTM) addressed to the respective end point to the access node;
• In the access node, the translation function is performed by checking whether the network address in the access node is known for this endpoint, wherein:
• - the message is forwarded via the interface using the network address of the end node, if that network address is known; or
• - the incoming message is forwarded via the interface via the interface, if the network address of the end node is not known, or the validity period of the network address has expired;
• From the end node to which the message is addressed, a response message for the service node is first sent to the access node;
• - In the access node, the conversion function is performed to forward the response message by means of a network node associated with the service node to the service node.

In the following, the invention will be described in detail by means of exemplary embodiments, reference being made to the enclosed figures, which show the following:

1 shows a conventional network structure;

2 shows a structure according to the invention in which virtual addresses are generated both in the access node and in the service node;

3 illustrates the transmission of messages, in particular messages for OAM functions directed from the service node to certain terminals;

4 shows in more detail the functional structure of an interworking function implemented in the access node; and

5 shows the schematic sequence of a method according to the invention.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the above-mentioned network NW, which provides a broadband Internet access for multiple endpoints TEa to TEz. For this purpose, the network elements that are essentially involved and their functions have already been described in the introduction. A resulting problem is that network addresses for the end nodes TEa to TEz often have only a very short validity period. This may mean that, in particular, the service node SN can no longer send messages to the connected end points or terminals.

In 2 is in comparison to the basic structure 1 in accordance with the invention, both the access node AN and the service node Sn form the same algorithm vMAlg or vMAlg 'as a copy thereof for forming virtual addresses vMACa to vMACz according to the invention. Thus, the service node SN, which here is a broadband access server (so-called BRAS: Broadband Remote Access Server), is itself in a position to generate valid virtual addresses vMACa, vMACb, etc., which the access node AN or the Implementing function IMF implemented therein knows. Thus, the service node SN can, if necessary, the messages OAM-MSG which are required in particular for operation and maintenance, which are directed to the end nodes TEa to TEz, at least as far as the access node AN to address, which then converts the addressing to real addresses MACa, MACb, etc., to forward the messages to the respective desired terminal.

As an example, consider the situation of initiating an OAM function by the operator of an Ethernet based access network. Here a valid endpoint address is required. This would normally have to be administratively provided or provisioned. For reasons of uniqueness of addresses of endpoint addresses and for security reasons, virtual addresses (eg vMACa) are used, which are used in the direction of the network instead of real addresses (MACa). According to the invention, the use of the virtual addresses in the access node AN and the knowledge that the virtual addresses are formed there according to a predefined or fixed algorithm vMAlg are now also used to form the virtual addresses in the service node SN with vMAlg ', yes For the OAM function, IMF finally translates to the desired endpoint address. For the calculation of the endpoint address, it is irrelevant whether the customer terminal (eg TEa) is currently active and whether the DSL link is established with it or not.

A conversion function IWF in the access node AN receives the OAM message to the desired endpoint address. From this address, the addressed DSL port PRT of the access node AN can be uniquely determined. The IWF replaces the original endpoint address with the group address and sends the OAM message further to the DSL port PRT and thus to all terminals TEa to TEz connected there. Thus, the customer-end devices for the OAM functionality are reachable and addressable without the need for provisioning or learning the endpoint addresses beforehand. Furthermore, the entire transmission path of the OAM message is "inband", i. H. the transmission runs over exactly the same ways or channels as the customer data also. This is especially helpful for a statement of the correct configuration at the aggregation level.

It is thus a special feature of the invention that the respective endpoint address of the customer terminal, which is absolutely necessary for the use of Ethernet OAM functions from the service node SN or BRAS, is not administrative (eg via a management system). must be provided, but is learned by the mechanisms described here from the network itself. As the 2 In detail, the access node AN has an interworking function IWF for this, which enables the exchange of the messages OAM-MSG between the service node SN and the respective end point TEa.

In addition, also on the 3 and 4 Referenced to the inventive method 100 to describe here in more detail:
The initial situation is the recognition that in the broadband access node AN each DSL port PRT certain MAC addresses are stored, here z. MACa to MACz. The corresponding virtual addresses, vMACa to vMACz, are formed by means of an algorithm which follows a fixed formation rule that is unique to the reference domain. A single DSL port PRT can be assigned multiple vMAC addresses.

After synchronization of the DSL lines, the access node AN learns the endpoint addresses of the customer devices TEa to TEz or the connection between the node AN and the respective terminal. At this time, the AN also assigns a virtual endpoint address, such. B. vMACa. The node AN now knows both the real and the virtual address of the customer terminal, ie TEa. Since the allocation algorithm in node AN has a fixed pool of vMAC addresses per DSL port PRT, the assigned vMAC address may change but is always from the same pool associated with port PRT. Consequently, the node SN or BRAS can always form a valid vMAC address or calculate to any DSL port of an AN node using the same algorithm. It does not matter whether this address vMAC is currently assigned to a real MAC address or not. The vMAC address is valid for this particular DSL port.

Performing Ethernet OAM loopback and OAM linktrace checks requires knowledge of the endpoint addresses at the opposite MEP (Maintenance Entity Point) endpoint. Knowledge of these MAC addresses can currently only be communicated to the MEP via configuration with conventional technologies. However, in order to be able to use this function in a mass-market-capable broadband telecommunications network, an automatic determination of these MAC addresses on the MEP is necessary. This solves the present invention by a method for determining or calculating this virtual endpoint address and by a special conversion function (OAM-IWF) on the AN as a link (see also 3 ). In this case, the calculation of a virtual endpoint address of a DSL port (vMAC) for the addressing of an OAM message takes place on the node BRAS according to exactly the same algorithm vMAlg 'as the algorithm vMAlg in the access node AN, which forms and assigns the vMAC there.

An OAM message will definitely reach the access node AN by the calculated endpoint address. The AN knows the condition of the addressed DSL haven and can answer the arriving OAM message even if the addressed DSL haven is not active, because z. B. the customer has switched off his terminals. However, if the DSL port is active, a special conversion function on the AN (OAM interworking function, OAM-IWF) accepts this OAM message. Because by addressing the virtual MAC address in the AN, the MEP3 in the terminal can not yet be reached. For this purpose, a special implementation function IWF is proposed, since such a function is not available in conventional solutions.

Like the 4 As a working principle, the IWF function consists of two virtual MEPs (MEP 'and MEP'') and replaces the endpoint address of the OAM message, which is still the calculated endpoint address, with a group address, which is one of all active terminals on the DSL port is detected and answered.

• – Nutzen des AN-Algorithmus zur Zuordnung der vMAC, um die Endpunktadresse auf dem AN im SN berechnen zu können.
• – Umsetung der Eth LBM bzw. LTM in einer OAM-IWF zum MEP3
• – Umsetzung der Eth LBR bzw. LTR in einer OAM-IWF zum MEP1

With reference to the in 5 the process sequence shown, the features and functional sequence are as follows:

• Use of the AN algorithm to allocate the vMAC to calculate the endpoint address on the AN in the SN.
• - Implementation of the Eth LBM or LTM in an OAM IMF to the MEP3
• - Implementation of the Eth LBR or LTR in an OAM IMF to the MEP1

In a first step 110 the access node AN learns the current network addresses of the connected terminals. The process of learning the respective endpoint address is triggered by the customer or user himself by connecting his terminal to the network NW or the access node AN. It is not triggered by the network operator by configuration o. Ä.

It is an automatic process that allows the endpoint addresses to be learned in a Carrier Class Ethernet network, thus making Ethernet OAM functions usable.

In the broadband access node AN, each DSL port MAC addresses are stored. These MAC addresses are formed according to a defined rule, which are unique to the reference domain. Each DSL port can have n vMAC addresses (eg 1 ≤ n ≤ 64). However, this depends on the number of terminals TE to be connected. The number of addresses can be determined by configuration. To create the virtual addresses vMAC, a defined algorithm vMAlg is used (see also 2 ). Also, the service node SN forms vMAlg virtual addresses according to the same algorithm.

After synchronization of the DSL lines, the broadband access node AN learns the endpoint addresses of the customer devices of the connection between access node AN and the respective customer terminal, e.g. B. TEa. Thus, the access node AN knows the respective real endpoint address, ie z. As the MACa, as well as the associated virtual endpoint address vMACa of the customer terminal TEa.

The step taken at the beginning 110 is initiated by the customer by turning on or activating his terminal. This activation results in the establishment of the DSL link to the access node AN.

However, by addressing the virtual network addresses vMACa to vMACz in the access node AN, the end point in the respective terminal can not be reached. In order to reach the end point in the terminal, in step 130 the implementation function or interworking function IWF according to the invention is performed.

This function IWF checks in step 131 whether a real address is known for the endpoint, e.g. As the MACa, and arranges them in one step 132 the respective address known to the service node SN, here z. For example, the virtual vMACa. If no real address is known, or if a known address has already expired, the interworking function IWF assigns a collective MAC * address to the known address vMACa, thereby ensuring that the message, e.g. B. LBM, arrives safely at the desired endpoint TE.

Another advantage of this method is the automatic integration of a possibly existing virtualization of endpoint addresses (eg vMAC). For reasons of uniqueness of endpoint addresses and for security reasons, network operators will use a function in the AN that replaces the "real" endpoint address of the customer end device (eg MAC address) in the AN with virtual endpoint addresses in the direction of the network. For a manual administration, this implementation would have to be considered. In the case of the method described here, this circumstance is automatically taken into account by the contractor. There are no further interventions required.

In summary, the invention is a method that allows for synchronous automatic endpoint address detection for Ethernet OAM without transmitting the endpoint addresses. As a reference circle of the invention, for example, applies broadband access network, as in 1 is shown. Usually, in such a broadband, preferably Ethernet-based, access network, the Ethernet OAM messages are sent between endpoints MEP and defined intermediate points MIP. The form and coding of these messages is in the standards such. B. according to ITU-T and IEEE defined. These known standards are concerned with the definition of formats and mechanisms. However, it does not specify how the addresses of the end points (OAM sink) reach the OAM source points in a network. However, only by knowing the endpoint address can an OAM flow be established.

At this juncture, the invention described proposes a mechanism that allows the endpoint address to be determined in a Carrier Class Ethernet, without the need for a specific mechanism from the OAM sink, such as the access node AN, to the OAM source how the service node SN or BRAS would have to be transmitted. A particular advantage of the invention is that the endpoint addresses, which are absolutely necessary for the Ethernet OAM functions, do not have to be provided administratively in any way, but can be determined or calculated by the mechanisms described here. Learning the addresses is also not required, which significantly reduces the memory requirements in the AN. The determination or calculation of the endpoint address takes place only when the operator is using the OAM functionality. A preliminary calculation, storage or configuration is not required.

It is known that when an OAM function is initiated by the operator of an Ethernet based access network, an endpoint address (MAC address) is required. The endpoint address (of the client terminal) would have to be administratively provisioned or provisioned. However, for reasons of uniqueness of endpoint addresses and for security reasons, network operators will use a function in the AN that replaces the "true" endpoint addresses of the customer end devices (eg MAC addresses) in the AN with virtual endpoint addresses (vMAC) towards the network, such as this 2 illustrated.

According to the invention, the use of these VMACs in the access node AN and the fact that they are formed according to a defined algorithm are now used to calculate the endpoint address required for the OAM function in the service node SN or BRAS (OAM source). It is irrelevant for the calculation of the endpoint address whether the customer terminal is currently active and the DSL link is thus structured or not.

Preferably, a special conversion function IWF (OAM interworking function) in the access node AN accepts the OAM message to this particular endpoint address. From the endpoint address, the addressed DSL port PRT of the access node AN can be uniquely determined. The conversion function IWF replaces the original endpoint address with a group address and sends the OAM message further to the DSL port and thus to all the terminals connected there. With this method, the customer-end devices for the OAM functionality become accessible and addressable, without the need for prior provisioning or learning of the endpoint addresses. Furthermore, the entire transmission path of the OAM message is "in-band", that is to say it runs exactly the same way as the customer data, which is especially helpful for a statement of the correct configuration in the aggregation level.

The functional sequence is as follows:
In the broadband access node AN each DSL port MAC addresses are stored. These MAC addresses are formed according to a defined rule, which are unique to the reference domain. A single DSL port can be assigned multiple vMAC addresses.

After synchronization of the DSL lines, the broadband access node AN learns the endpoint addresses of the customer devices of the connection between the AN and the customer's terminal. At this time, the AN also assigns a virtual endpoint address vMAC. The access node AN now knows both true and virtual endpoint address of the customer terminal. Since the algorithm vMAlg of the allocation in the access node AN provides a fixed pool of vMAC addresses per DSL port, the assigned virtual address vMAC can change, but always originates from the pool that was assigned to this DSL port. As a result, the service node SN or BRAS can use this algorithm vMAlg 'at any time to calculate a valid vMAC to any DSL port of an AN. It does not matter if this particular vMAC is currently assigned a "real" endpoint address or not. The vMAC is valid for this particular DSL port.

To perform Ethernet OAM loopback and link trace tests, it is essential to know the endpoint addresses on the opposite MEP in order for the feature to start. The knowledge of these MAC addresses can currently only be communicated to the MEP via configuration. However, in order to be able to use this function in a mass-market-capable broadband telecommunications network, an automatic determination of these MAC addresses on the MEP is necessary. The present invention also applies here and describes a method for determining or calculating this virtual endpoint address as well as a special conversion function (OAM-IWF) on the access node AN as a link (see 3 ).

Of particular note is the calculation of a virtual endpoint address vMAC of a DSL port for addressing an OAM message on the service node SN or BRAS according to exactly the same algorithm vMAlg 'as the algorithm vMAlg in the access node AN, which forms and assigns the virtual addresses vMAC ,

An OAM message will reach the access node AN by the calculated endpoint address in any case. The access node AN knows the state of the addressed DSL port and can answer the incoming OAM message itself, if the addressed DSL port is not active, d. H. if z. B. the customer has switched off his terminals. However, if the DSL port is active, the special conversion function IWF on the access node AN receives this OAM message. Because only by addressing the virtual address in the access node AN, the MEP3 can not be reached in the terminal yet. However, the conversion function IWF can do this and preferably consists of two virtual MEPs (MEP 'and MEP' ') and replaces the endpoint address of the OAM message, which is still the calculated endpoint address, with a group address, which of all active terminals on the DSL port is detected and answered. A non-answering as a result of inactive terminal is signaled to SN from the AN either by time out or by an error message to be defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• TEi

  Endpoint (s) or subscriber terminal (s), executed as MEP (Maintenance Entity) with regard to the OAM function

  AT

  Access node (Access Node), executed as an intermediate point or MIP (Maintenance Intermediate Point) with respect to the OAM function

  SN

  Service node (Service Node), designed as BRAS Broadband Access Node or Server (Broadband Remote Access Server)

  NET

  Network, if necessary, with further network nodes

  MACi

  true network address (s) (Media Access Control)

  vMACi

  virtual network addresses

  IMF

  Implementation function or interworking function

  vMAlg

  virtual MAC algorithm (BRAS)

  vMAlg '

  virtual MAC algorithm (AN)

  OAM MSG

  Message (OAM: Operation and Maintenance)

  LBM, LBR

  Messages regarding OAM functions (Loop Back Message or Loop Back Report Message)

Claims (15)

Procedure ( 100 ) for addressing end points (TEa,... TEz) in a network (NW) having an access node (AN) and a service node (SN) connectable thereto, wherein the access node (AN) has at least one interface (PRT) Network access for the endpoints (TEa, ... TEz) is established and the access node (AN) manages the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) of the connected endpoints (TEa, ... TEz), thereby characterized in that the access node (AN) according to a predetermined algorithm (vMAlg) virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) are formed, the network addresses (MACa, ... vMACz) of the end nodes (TEa, ... TEz) such that at least one of the virtual network addresses (vMACa) is formed by the service node (SN) according to the same algorithm (vMAlg ') to a message (OAM-MSG; LBM) directed to an end point (TEa) to send the access node (AN), wherein by means of a conversion function (IMF) the at least converting a formed virtual network address (vMACa) into the corresponding network address (MACa) to obtain the message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the end point (TEa). Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the algorithm for the interface (PRT) a predeterminable number of virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) is formed. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that by means of the algorithm in dependence on at least one property of the access node (AN), in particular its logical structure, the virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) are formed. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the logical structure of the access node (AN) corresponds to a hierarchical structure of hardware and or software units, in particular with respect to an addressing. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by triggering the service node (SN), if necessary, a message (OAM-MSG; LBM) directed to an end point (TEa) is transmitted. Procedure ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conversion function (IWF) is performed in particular in the access node (AN) by checking (OAM) each message coming from the service node (SN) and directed to one of the endpoints (TEa) -MSG; LBM) is checked ( 151 ), whether the network address (MACa) in the access node (AN) is known for the respective end point (TEa), and if this is not the case, the message (LBM) via a common address (MAC *) via the interface ( PRT) is forwarded ( 153 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) of the connected end points (TEa, ... TEz) are managed by the access node (AN) by the network Addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) of the connected endpoints (TEa, ... TEz) are determined and stored ( 110 ), in particular those network addresses are determined and renewed continuously, which have only a predeterminable period of validity. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following steps is carried out: - Step 110 from the access node (AN) the virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACx, vMACy, vMACz) are formed by means of the algorithm (vMAlg); - Step 120 from the access node (AN), the virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACx, vMACy, vMACz) of the at least one interface (PRT) and / or the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz ) of the connected end points (TEa, ... TEz) assigned; - Step 130 : from the service node (SN) at least one of the virtual network addresses (vMACa) is formed by means of the same algorithm (vMAlg); - Step 130 a network-connectable entity triggers the service node (SN) to send the message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the respective endpoint (TEa) to the access node (AN); - Step 140 the service node (SN) uses one (vMACa) of the virtual network addresses to send the message (OAM-MSG; LBM) directed to the respective end point (TEa) to the access node (AN); - Step 150 in the access node (AN), the conversion function (IWF) is performed by checking whether the network address (MACa) in the access node (AN) is known for this end point (TEa), wherein: - step 151 the message (LBM) is forwarded via the network address (MACa) of the end node (TEa) via the interface (PRT) if that network address (MACa) is known; or - step 152 the incoming message (LBM) is forwarded by means of the aggregate address (MAC *) via the interface (PRT) if the network address of the end node (TEa) is unknown or the validity period of the network address has expired; - Step 160 from the end node (TEa) to which the message (LBM) is directed, a response message (LBR) for the service node (SN) is first sent to the access node (AN); - Step 170 in the access node (AN), the conversion function (IWF) is performed in order to forward the response message (LBR) to the service node (SN) by means of a network address (MAC0) assigned to the service node (SN). Network (NW) with an access node (AN) and with a service node (SN) connectable thereto, wherein the access node (AN) has at least one interface (PRT) for connecting at least one end point (TEa ... TEz) and the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) the connected endpoint (TEa ... TEz) manages, characterized in that the access node (AN) according to a predetermined algorithm (vMAlg) virtual network addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) and assigns to the network addresses (MACa, ... vMACz) the end nodes (TEa, ... TEz) that the service node (SN) according to the same algorithm (vMAlg) forms at least one of the virtual network addresses (vMACa), in order to send a message (OAM-MSG, LBM) directed to one of the end points (TEa) to the access node (AN), wherein the access node (SN) uses a conversion function (IWF) to send the at least one formed virtual network address ( vMACa) into the corresponding network address (MACa) to the di e message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the end point (TEa). Network (NW) according to claim 9, characterized in that the connected endpoints a plurality of subscriber terminals (TEa, ... TEz) and / or terminal devices, in particular DSL modems, are, via the access node (AN) with the service node ( SN) messages, in particular exchange messages for operation and maintenance purposes (OAM-MSG). Network (NW) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the access node (AN) is a multiplexer-demultiplexer, in particular a DSL-Mux-Demux. Network (NW) according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the service node (SN) is a broadband network access node, in particular a broadband access server (BRAS). Network (NW) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the network is constructed at least for the operation and maintenance purposes as Ethernet. Access node (AN) for a network (NW) comprising the access node (AN) and a service node (SN) connectable thereto, the access node (AN) having at least one interface (PRT) for connecting at least one end point (TEa ... TEz ) and the network addresses (MACa, ... MACx, MACy, MACz) of the connected endpoint (TEa ... TEz) manages, characterized in that the access node (AN) according to a predetermined algorithm (vMAlg) virtual network Addresses (vMACa, ... vMACz) and assigns the network addresses (MACa, ... vMACz) the end nodes (TEa, ... TEz) that the service node (SN) according to the same algorithm (vMAlg) at least one of the virtual network Addresses (vMACa) in order to send a message (OAM-MSG, LBM) directed to one of the end points (TEa) to the access node (AN), wherein the access node (SN) by means of a conversion function (IWF) at least a formed virtual network address (vMACa) into the corresponding network rk address (MACa) to transmit the message (OAM-MSG; LBM) to the end point (TEa). Access node (AN) according to claim 14, characterized in that the conversion function (IWF) is integrated in the access node (AN).

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