Distributing information across equal-cost paths in a network
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of distributing data across a network, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a distribution device configured to distribute packets of data across a set of equal-cost paths in the network; and
distributing the packets across the paths based on at least one attribute of each of the packets.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of distributing data across a network having a plurality of equal-cost paths. Also, a device for distributing data over a network according to the method. The data, which is typically contained in data packets, may be distributed based on at least one attribute of each of the packets. The data may also be distributed according to a weighted distribution function that allows for unequal amounts of traffic to be distributed to each of the equal-cost paths.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A method of distributing data across a network, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a distribution device configured to distribute packets of data across a set of equal-cost paths in the network; and
distributing the packets across the paths based on at least one attribute of each of the packets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of distributing data across a network, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a distribution device configured to distribute a set of packets of data across a set of equal-cost paths in the network; and
distributing each packet in the set of packets across the set of equal-cost paths according to a weighted distribution. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A distribution device, the device comprising:
-
a set of ports; and
a first distribution unit, including a device logic, wherein the first distribution unit is configured to use the device logic to distribute a packet of data entering the device through a first port among the set of ports to a second port among the set of ports, the device logic comprising;
a first lookup unit including an acknowledgement unit for acknowledging whether multiple equal-cost paths exist, a first referencing unit for referencing a second lookup unit when multiple equal-cost paths do exist, and a second referencing unit for referencing a third lookup unit otherwise, the second lookup unit including a second distribution unit for distributing the packet across the set of ports and a third referencing unit for referencing the third lookup unit, and the third lookup unit including a selection unit for selecting the second port. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
-
-
16. A device for distributing Internet protocol packets across a network, the device comprising:
-
a set of interface means for interfacing the device with the network; and
distribution means for distributing a set of packets entering the device through a first interface means in the set of interface means such that packets in the set of packets are distributed across all interface means in the set of interface means operably connected to equal-cost paths according to a weighted distribution. - View Dependent Claims (17)
-
Specification