Abstract:
A method implemented by a network firewall, comprising obtaining a first authentication token for a network test, receiving a test request message for performing the network test on a network element (NE) connected to the network firewall, authenticating the test request message by determining whether the test request message includes a second authentication token that matches the first authentication token, and granting the network test on the NE when the second authentication token matches the first authentication token.
Abstract:
A method of load balancing in a communications network includes transmitting, by a source node, to a destination node, a first plurality of packets of a “flowlet” of a flow of packets. Each of the first flowlet of packets includes a plurality of header fields and a randomizer. The header fields and the randomizer are used by a networking device located between the source node and the destination node to select an output port of the networking device for the packets of the first flowlet. Further methods include selecting, by the source node, based on a criteria, a second randomizer for inclusion in a plurality of packets of a second flowlet of packets, waiting a time delay after transmitting the first flowlet of packets, then, inserting the second randomizer into the sequential second flowlet of packets, and transmitting the second flowlet of packets.
Abstract:
An embodiment method of loop suppression in a layer-two transit network with multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) encapsulation includes receiving a packet at a provider edge (PE) router for the layer-two transit network. The packet is stored in a non-transitory memory on the PE router. The packet is stored according to a packet data structure having an MPLS label field and a layer-two header. A time-to-live (TTL) attribute is then determined for the packet. The TTL attribute is written to the non-transitory memory in the MPLS label field. The packet is then routed according to information in the layer-two header.
Abstract:
An address resolution method, comprising obtaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address for a destination network node, computing a Media Access Control (MAC) address for the destination network node using a mapping function and the IP address for the destination network node, and sending data traffic using the MAC address computed for the destination network node.
Abstract:
A source routing method and apparatus are provided. The method includes receiving a data packet that comprises a destination address, a source address, and a payload, determining a plurality of next-hops along a service chain path between the source address and the destination address, generating a source routed data packet that comprises the destination address, the source address, the plurality of next-hops, and the payload, setting the destination address of the source routed data packet to a first next-hop from the plurality of next-hops along the service chain path, and forwarding the source routed data packet in accordance with the destination address.
Abstract:
A service chaining method comprising receiving a source routed data packet, wherein the source routed data packet comprises a destination address and identifies a plurality of next-hops along a service chain path, identifying a next-hop for the source routed data packet using the plurality of next-hops, determining whether the next-hop is source routing capable, setting the destination address of the source routed data packet in accordance with the determination, wherein the destination address is set to the next-hop when the next-hop is source routing capable, and wherein the destination address is set to a next downstream network node that is source routing capable when the next-hop is not source routing capable, and forwarding the source routed data packet to the next-hop.
Abstract:
A service description may be used in network virtualization in order to specify requirements of an application. In order to provide network virtualization for generic networking components, including legacy networking components, the service description is mapped to a logical network implementation and then subsequently mapped to a physical implementation.
Abstract:
An embodiment method of loop suppression in a layer-two transit network with multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) encapsulation includes receiving a packet at a provider edge (PE) router for the layer-two transit network. The packet is stored in a non-transitory memory on the PE router. The packet is stored according to a packet data structure having an MPLS label field and a layer-two header. A time-to-live (TTL) attribute is then determined for the packet. The TTL attribute is written to the non-transitory memory in the MPLS label field. The packet is then routed according to information in the layer-two header.
Abstract:
An embodiment method of loop suppression in a layer-two transit network with multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) encapsulation includes receiving a packet at a provider edge (PE) router for the layer-two transit network. The packet is stored in a non-transitory memory on the PE router. The packet is stored according to a packet data structure having an MPLS label field and a layer-two header. A time-to-live (TTL) attribute is then determined for the packet. The TTL attribute is written to the non-transitory memory in the MPLS label field. The packet is then routed according to information in the layer-two header.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for proactively forming flowlets for a flow in a communication network. The method includes monitoring one or more conditions associated with the flow and detecting a trigger signal. Upon detection of activation of the trigger signal, the method further includes transmitting a pause message.