Method and apparatus providing rapid end-to-end failover in a packet switched communications network

The present invention provides a failure transfer program based on hardware to realize the quick end-to-end recovery. The hardware logic periodically produces, transmits, receives and processes heartbeat packages. These packages are transmitted from one end of the communication network to the other end and then return. If the transmission path suffers from the failure of communication network nodes or communication links, the hardware logic quickly exchanges the affected communication on transmission to the pre-built standby transmission path usually within a few microseconds. The quick end-to-end recovery by failure transfer has the advantages of providing continuous transmission of communication services and increasing the recovery and/or availability of the communication network.