A Method For Seamless Multi-Link Network Connectivity

摘要

The present invention provides a method for seamless multi-link network connectivity, wherein such method utilizes a plurality of connections at the same time by providing an application-sensitive seamless connectivity between two end systems via several links so that the data are seamlessly transmitted among these links. In the method of the present invention when one link fails, the traffic is automatically transmitted via the available links of said plurality of connections and when it comes back up, it is automatically used again. In the method of the present invention when more than one link is active and the Quality of Service needs of an application can't be met by using a single link, more than one link is used through load-balancing mechanism. Said method provides the best possible service for each type of application based on its own Quality of Service requirements.

主权项

1. A method for seamless multi-link connectivity, using a seamless transparent connectivity module to establish a connection between two end systems, the method comprising the steps of:
Initiating data-transmission on one side of the connection to the other side via a default link using a default IP address; Exchanging a plurality of active IP addresses associated with the default IP address by a seamless transparent connectivity module at both sides of the connection; Capturing sent packets before leaving the IP layer; Checking whether the captured packets need load balancing; If load balancing is needed, then a set of active links is chosen to load balance on; If load balancing is not needed, then a best fitting active link is chosen; Changing the source IP address to one of the IP addresses of said selected active links after conducting the load balancing check; Changing the destination IP address to one of the IP addresses associated with the other end's default IP address; Transmitting said packets on different links using a load-balancing mechanism or using said best fitting active link if load balancing is not needed; At the receiving side, capturing received packets as they enter the IP layer; Changing the source IP addresses and the destination IP addresses of the received packets with the default IP addresses of said end systems by the seamless transparent connectivity module; Letting the packets up the TCP/IP stack.