Ethernet-based systems and methods for improved network routing
AssigneeLevel 3 Communications, LLC
InventorsJoseph Lawrence, Nassar El-Aawar, Darren Loher, Steven White, Raoul Alcala
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Ethernet-based networks for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between source and destination sites. One embodiment includes a plurality of discrete data transmission backbones between the source and destination sites. The source site includes control means for distributing IP traffic at the source site to the plurality of backbones for transmission to the destination site.
Claims16
A router for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between source and destination backbones, including:
- an N×M IP-implemented CLOS matrix of Ethernet switches, where N>1 is the number of stages in the matrix and M>1 is the number or switches in each stage;
- and
- routing protocol control means for distributing IP traffic between the switches.
A network system for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between a source site and a destination site, including:
- a plurality of discrete data transmission backbones between the source and destination sites;
- source site control means for distributing IP traffic at the source site to the plurality of backbones for transmission to the destination site.
A system for routing Internet Protocol (IP) traffic between a core backbone and edge, including:
- an N×M IP-implemented CLOS matrix of switches, wherein:
- N>1 is the number of stages in the matrix;
- M>1 is the number or switches in each stage;
- the M switches of the first and last stages are Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) switches;
- and
- the M switches of at least one stage between the first and last stages are Ethernet switches;
- and
- routing protocol control means for distributing IP traffic between the switches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.