Generating optimal pathways in software-defined networking (sdn)

Abstract

A method for optimizing delivery of digital information packets across a network of linked, packet switching nodes is disclosed. A suitably programmed computer translates business oriented requests into network technical requirements. The computer then uses knowledge including pre-stored or real-time discovered topographical maps of the network, and a database of the current attributes of the components of the network, to automatically determine settings for software addressable forwarding devices on the network to implement the network technical requirements. This may take the form of a security setting that may be delivered to a network security appliance such as a firewall. Each firewall may then configure all or part of the network via the software addressable switches at nodes under its control.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.