Packet network providing fast distribution of node related information and a method therefor
AssigneeTropic Networks Inc.
InventorsBarry Ding Ken Mark, Walter Joseph Carpini, Hanh Thi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reliable packet network is constructed with nodes and links where the nodes use a method for fast distribution of link state information. This permits a rapid update of the routing information at all nodes in case of a link failure, minimizing the number of lost packets.
Claims23
A packet network having a plurality of nodes and links between the nodes, comprising:
- a computing means for control of the nodes;
- each node having a data plane means for forwarding packets between the nodes, the data plane means being responsive to control signals from the computing means;
- and
- the data plane means comprising a means for fast propagation of node related information between the data plane means in each node and forwarding the information to the computing means in the network, wherein the means for fast propagation of node related information comprises means for fast propagation of link state information.
A node for a packet network, comprising:
- a computing means for controlling the node;
- data plane means for forwarding packets to other nodes in the network, the data plane means being responsive to control signals from the computing means;
- and
- the data, plane means comprising means for fast propagation of node related information to and from the data plane means in other nodes in the network and forwarding the information to the computing means, wherein the means for fast propagation of node related information comprises means for fast propagation of link state information.
In a packet network comprising a node and having a computing means for controlling the node, the node having a data plane means for forwarding packets to other nodes in the network and being responsive to control signals from the computing means, a link interface for the data plane means, comprising means for fast propagation of node related information to and from the data plane means in other nodes in the network and forwarding the information to the computing means at the node, wherein the means for fast propagation of node related information comprises a means for fast propagation of link state information.
In a packet network having a plurality of nodes and links between the nodes and computing means for controlling the nodes, wherein each node has a data plane means for forwarding packets between the nodes including a link interface and a switching fabric, a method of fast propagation of node related messages between the nodes, comprising the steps of:
- (a) at each link interface of a node, generating a node related message;
- (b) broadcasting the message to all link interfaces within the same node through the switching fabric;
- (c) sending the message from each link interface to the data plane means of the corresponding neighbouring node in the network;
- (d) receiving a node related message from the data plane means in another node in the network;
- and
- (e) if the message is not already stored in the database, broadcast the message to all link interfaces within the same node using the switching fabric.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.