IP/MPLS networks have grown to the point that they can use the full capacity of optical channels. Sonet/SDH equipment in many locations is no longer used to provide multiplexing but remains in place to provide fast recovery from optical failures. Fast Reroute offers recovery from link failures in timeframes similar to those provided by Sonet/SDH.

Fast Reroute has been available in MPLS Networks that use Traffic Engineering for several years. Recently an number of new techniques, including ones that do not require Traffic Engineering, have emerged. This talk will explore these various techniques and analyze their benefits and pitfalls.