Providing services for multiple virtual private networks
US7853714B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/04
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network device provides services for multiple virtual private networks (VPNs) via one or more virtual hosts. For example, a router receives packets from multiple VPNs, and communicates the packets to a service card via a logical interface in accordance with a forwarding information base. A virtual host within the service card processes the packets and provides a service for the network device from which the packet was sent. The virtual host may, for example, provide print services for network devices within a corresponding VPN. The virtual host acts, in essence, as a print server within the corresponding VPN. In this manner, the router may eliminate the need for the customer associated with the VPN to maintain print servers within remote customer sites.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.