Pool-based resource management in a data network

A network system, comprising:

• a first router having an output port;
• an upstream link coupled to the output port of the first router;
• a second router, including:
• a data plane having an input port coupled to the upstream link and an output port connectable to a downstream link;
• and
• a control plane including:
• a virtual pool having a capacity corresponding to a resource capacity of the first router;
• and
• an admission control function that, responsive to a request to reserve resources for a flow from said input port to said output port through said data plane, performs admission control for the upstream link by reference to resource availability within said virtual pool.

A method of operating a router having an input port connected to an upstream link and an output port connected to a downstream link, said method comprising:

• the router maintaining a virtual pool having a capacity corresponding to a resource capacity of an upstream router coupled to the upstream link;
• said router receiving a request to reserve resources for a flow through said router onto said downstream link;
• and
• in response to said request, said router performing admission control for the upstream link by reference to resource availability within said virtual pool.

A program product for operating a router having an input port connected to an upstream link and an output port connected to a downstream link, said program product comprising:

• a computer usable storage medium;
• and
• a control program including:
• instructions for causing the router to maintain a virtual pool having a capacity corresponding to a resource capacity of an upstream router coupled to the upstream link;
• instructions for causing the router to receive a request to reserve resources for a flow through said router onto said downstream link;
• and
• instructions for causing the router, in response to said request, to perform admission control for the upstream link by reference to resource availability within said one or more resource pools.