Routing information packets in a distributed network
First Claim
1. A method of routing information packets in a distributed routing network comprising:
- determining a forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit accessing the network based on a point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network;
updating the forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point; and
determining a next distribution point to forward an information packet based on the forwarding equivalency class for a destination subscriber unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Information packets are routed through a distributed routing network by determining a forwarding equivalency class (FEC) for each subscriber unit accessing the network. The FEC to which each subscriber unit belongs is based on the point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network. The forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit is updated if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point. Information packets are routed from a distribution point by determining the next point connected to the distribution point based on the forwarding equivalency class for the destination subscriber unit specified in the packet.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of routing information packets in a distributed routing network comprising:
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determining a forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit accessing the network based on a point at which the subscriber unit accesses the network;
updating the forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit if the subscriber unit accesses the network at a different point; and
determining a next distribution point to forward an information packet based on the forwarding equivalency class for a destination subscriber unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4-6. -6. (canceled).
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7. A method of modifying the routing of packets through a network of distribution points, the packets destined for a subscriber unit accessing the network through a first access point, the method comprising:
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determining that the subscriber unit is accessing the network through a second access point;
assigning the subscriber unit to a forwarding equivalency class based on the second access point;
routing packets destined for the subscriber unit through the network of distribution points based on the assigned forwarding equivalency class. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A communication system for distributing packetized information comprising a plurality of distribution points forming a distributed routing network, each distribution point in communication with at least one other distribution point, each distribution point operative to
(a) maintain a forwarding equivalency class for subscriber units accessing the communication system, (b) update the forwarding equivalency class for each subscriber unit that accesses the communication system through a different point in the communication system, and (c) determine the next distribution point to forward an information packet based on the forwarding equivalency class for a destination subscriber unit specified in the information packet.
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16-26. -26. (canceled).
Specification