Combining connections for parallel access to multiple frame relay and other private networks
First Claim
1. A controller which controls access to multiple independent private networks in a parallel network configuration, the controller comprising:
- a site interface connecting the controller to a site;
at least two private network interfaces; and
a packet path selector which selects between private network interfaces according to a specified criterion;
wherein the controller receives a packet through the site interface and sends the packet through the private network interface that was selected by the packet path selector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods, configured storage media, and systems are provided for communications using two or more frame relay or point-to-point networks in parallel to provide load balancing across network connections, greater reliability, and/or increased security. A controller provides access to two or more private networks in parallel, through direct or indirect network interfaces. When one attached network fails, the failure is sensed by the controller and traffic is routed through one or more other private networks. When all attached networks are operating, the controller preferably balances the load between them.
107 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A controller which controls access to multiple independent private networks in a parallel network configuration, the controller comprising:
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a site interface connecting the controller to a site;
at least two private network interfaces; and
a packet path selector which selects between private network interfaces according to a specified criterion;
wherein the controller receives a packet through the site interface and sends the packet through the private network interface that was selected by the packet path selector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21)
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13. A method for combining connections for access to multiple parallel private networks, the method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a controller, the controller comprising a site interface, at least two private network interfaces, and a packet path selector which selects between private network interfaces according to a specified criterion;
connecting the controller site interface to a site to receive packets from a computer at the site;
connecting a first private network interface of the controller to a first private network, connecting a second private network interface of the controller to a second private network which is parallel to and independent of the first private network; and
sending a packet to the site interface which then sends the packet through a private network interface selected by the packet path selector.
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19. A method for combining connections for access to multiple independent parallel frame relay networks, the method comprising the steps of:
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sending a packet to a site interface of a controller, the controller comprising the site interface which receives packets, at least two network interfaces, and a packet path selector which selects between network interfaces according to a specified criterion; and
specifying the criterion for use by the packet path selector, wherein the specified criterion is one of;
a security criterion, a reliability criterion, a load-balancing criterion.
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Specification