Overlay-based packet steering
US8830834B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/64
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Network topology independent service deployment techniques, referred to as overlay-based packet steering techniques, are provided. In one example, a server destined packet is intercepted by an in-path network device enabled as a service classifier. The service classifier encapsulates the packet and inserts the packet into a service path to a service virtualization endpoint front ending one or more service nodes. In other words, the service virtualization endpoint receives the service-directed packet on an overlay-based service path. The service-directed packet includes a service header and a service overlay tunnel encapsulation. The service virtualization endpoint inspects the service header in the service-directed packet to identify a first service node to which the service-directed packet should be forwarded and, based on the inspection, forwards the service-directed packet, on the overlay-based service path, to the first service node.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.