Apparatus and method for configuring data plane behavior on network forwarding elements
US7646759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/161
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for configuring data plane behavior on network forwarding elements are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, within a network element control plane, protocol configuration information extracted from a protocol application utilizing a network protocol application programming interface (API). Once the protocol configuration information is received, the protocol configuration information is processed using a control interface corresponding to the network protocol implemented by the protocol application. Once the protocol configuration information is processed, the control interface programs one or more data plane forwarding elements of the network element according to protocol configuration information. Accordingly, by providing similar control interfaces for multiple, network protocols, inter-operability between components from multiple vendors is enabled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.