Network Packet Flow Controller

摘要

An intermediate node obtains a lead packet of a plurality of packets in a session having a unique session identifier, modifies the lead packet to identify at least the intermediate node, and then forwards the lead packet toward the destination node though an intermediate node electronic output interface to the IP network. The intermediate node also receives, through an intermediate node electronic input interface in communication with the IP network, a backward message from a next node having a next node identifier. The backward message includes the next node identifier and the session identifier. The intermediate node forms an association between the next node identifier and the session identifier, stores the association in memory to maintain state information for the session, and obtains (e.g., receives) additional packets of the session. Substantially all of the additional packets in the session are forwarded toward the next node using the stored association.

主权项

1. A packet routing method for directing packets of a session from an originating node toward a destination node in an IP network, the method comprising:
an intermediate node obtaining a lead packet of a plurality of packets in a session, the packets in the session having a unique session identifier; modifying the lead packet to identify at least the intermediate node; forwarding the lead packet toward the destination node though an intermediate node electronic output interface to the IP network, the electronic output interface being in communication with the IP network; receiving, through an electronic input interface of the intermediate node, a backward message from a next node, the next node having a next node identifier, the backward message including the next node identifier and the session identifier, the electronic input interface being in communication with the IP network; forming an association between the next node identifier and the session identifier; storing, in memory, the association to maintain state information for the session; obtaining additional packets of the session; and forwarding, through the electronic output interface of the intermediate node, substantially all of the additional packets in the session toward the next node using the stored association.