Method for distributing the data-traffic load on a communication network and a communication network for implementing this method

Method as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that:

• the data packets (DP) to be transferred have different transfer priorities, and that:
• at least one network node (NK1 . . . NK4) sends transfer-priority-specific loading information (A1 . . . A4), to the data-traffic-monitoring system (ZNK) to allow data-transfer-loading values (A1 . . . A4) to be ascertained.

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• destination-network-node-specific distribution information (V1 . . . V4) is determined for a particular network node (NK1 . . . NK4) and sent to that network node (NK1 . . . NK4).

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• in order to determine distribution information (V1 . . . V4), previously ascertained data-transfer-loading values (A1 . . . A4) and/or previously ascertained distribution information (V1 . . . V4) are extrapolated relative to time.

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• the distribution information (V1 . . . V4) for a network node (NK1 . . . NK4) includes quota details that specify, for each route in a group of alternative routes (LW1, LW2, LW3) leading from this node to a destination network node (NK4), what proportion of the data packets (DP) addressed to this destination network node (NK4) should be transferred over the route concerned (LW1, LW2, LW3).

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• the address information (QA) includes source address information that identifies the sender of the data packet (DP) concerned.

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• the allocation of address classes takes place on the basis of stored address information from data packets transmitted previously.

Method as claimed in one of the above claims,

• characterized in that:
• based on data-transfer-loading values (A1 . . . A4) that have been ascertained, the data-traffic-monitoring system (ZNK) determines a new, alternative route for a network node (NK1 . . . NK4), and sends route information describing the new route to this network node (NK1 . . . NK4).