Network architecture with distribution of packet services to various switches
US8594079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W88/08
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Virtual machine environments are provided in the switches that form a network, with the virtual machines executing network services previously performed by dedicated appliances. The virtual machines can be executed on a single multi-core processor in combination with normal switch functions or on dedicated services processor boards. Packet processors analyze incoming packets and add a services tag containing services entries to any packets. Each switch reviews the services tag and performs any network services resident on that switch. This allows services to be deployed at the optimal locations in the network. The network services may be deployed by use of drag and drop operations. A topology view is presented, along with network services that may be deployed. Services may be selected and dragged to a single switch or multiple switches. The management tool deploys the network services software, with virtual machines being instantiated on the switches as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.