Distributing a stream of packets across available output paths within a network
US7424016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/60
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and systems for distributing packets across all available output paths within a network is provided. A distribution key is extracted from each packet and is hashed to generate a hash value. An output path for each packet is selected by using all N bits of the hash value to address a distribution table having at least 2N indications of the output paths available for that packet. Thus, the stream of packets is distributed, or split up, across the available output paths, thereby balancing the load. In some embodiments, the order of the output paths is randomized within each distribution table. Other embodiments include a forwarding table used to determine the available output paths for a particular packet. In yet other embodiments, the distribution key includes the packet's source and destination; thus preventing packets within the same stream having varying latencies due to traveling along varying paths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.