Secure distribution and use of weighted network topology information
AssigneeNovell, Inc.
InventorsDel Jensen, Stephen R Carter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods, systems, signals, and devices are provided for managing and using topology information in a network. A topology information manager keeps fragments of network topology and provides access to entire fragments or to fragment summaries in response to authenticated requests. An authenticated path selector uses topology information from the manager to select message routes. The path selector may use summaries of hidden network paths to determine whether the hidden path is desirable, without having access to all topological information about the hidden path. Messages may be forwarded over hidden paths by the manager without disclosing more than the summary information to the message provider.
Claims29
A topology information manager in a distributed computer system, the topology information manager comprising:
- an authentication component for authenticating requests regarding information about the topology of at least a portion of the distributed computer system;
- a response component for providing responses to such requests;
- and
- a storage component for storing topology information, the storage component being configured by topology information in the form of a hidden path which includes an identification of at least two end nodes of a hidden path and which omits topology information about at least one path between the two end nodes.
A computer storage medium having a configuration that represents data and instructions which will cause performance of method steps for managing network topology information in a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a topology information management request;
- authenticating the request;
- and
- managing hidden path topology information in response to the authenticated request.
A path selector in a distributed computer system, the path selector comprising:
- a request component for making an authenticated request for topology information and receiving a response;
- and
- a path selection component for selecting at least one path based at least in part on topology information provided in response to the authenticated request, the path selection component configured to select a path using topology information in the form of a hidden path which includes an identification of at least two end nodes of a hidden path and which omits topology information about at least one path between the two end nodes.
A set of data signals embodied in a network connection for topology fragment management, the data signals comprising:
- at least one topology information management request made by a requester;
- at least one authentication signal containing identification and credential data of the requester;
- and
- at least one topology information hidden path signal which includes an identification of at least two end nodes of a hidden path and which omits topology information about at least one path between the two end nodes.
A method for managing network topology information in a computer network, comprising the steps of:
- receiving a request for topology information about the network;
- authenticating the request;
- providing topology information in response to the authenticated request;
- and
- selecting at least one path based at least in part on at least one hidden path provided by the providing step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.