Method and apparatus for distributing packets across multiple paths leading to a destination
US6826186B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/243
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting one of multiple of paths between two points over which to route a data item based on the destination of the data item and the traffic between the two points over the multiple paths. A switching system can use the disclosed methods and apparatus to more efficiently distribute data packets among switching fabrics than currently accomplished by known techniques. In one implementation, distribution cycles have been established for sending data between two points, where each path between the endpoints is used a predetermined number of times (e.g., one, two) within each cycle. To economize the amount of traffic data collected, the multiple paths can be partitioned into subsets for which traffic data is maintained only for the current subset. Additionally, the distribution of traffic between the two points can be further partitioned into traffic of a particular type or priority between the two points.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.