DYNAMIC HIERARCHICAL ADDRESS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ARCHITECTURE, METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A Dynamic Hierarchical Address Resource Management Architecture (DHARMA) coordinates a logical hierarchy of address spaces with a virtual topology of network elements using a manageable database environment. Address spaces are apportioned into hierarchical levels in accordance with a network policy. Network elements may be represented as objects, coupled via the logical address space. Both address space hierarchy definition and virtual topology modelling may occur independent from actual network deployment. As a result, multiple address space hierarchy definitions and virtual topologies can be pre-generated and stored for selective use during network deployment. With such an arrangement, a flexible addressing architecture is provided which may advantageously be used in any network that desires dynamic network configuration. The connection between the logical address hierarchy and the virtual network topology may advantageously be implemented through the use of a logical tag that links a virtual network element to a logical address hierarchy level.