Method and Apparatus for Software Programmable Intelligent Network

摘要

A reservation request is received for a data transport session. The reservation request contains a requested class of communication service through the asynchronous network. The state of the network along the route is then preferably determined and at least one end-to-end route through the network is obtained. The route is based on the requested class of communication service and the state of the network. The data transport session is then controlled, such that data is forced to travel along at least one route through the asynchronous network. This is preferably done by controlling multiple data controllers dispersed along the at least one route by mapping specific data protocols to specific routes, or mapping specific data protocols to specific ports in each data controller. If a state of the asynchronous network indicates that the route cannot transport data in conformity to the class of communication service, then the route is changed to a backup route through the network.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method for end-to-end control of data transport through a software-programmable packet-, frame-, or cell-based network, comprising controlling data transport through the network with one or more switching or forwarding devices distributed throughout the network in a first logical plane, wherein said switching or forwarding devices receive instructions from one or more management controllers situated in a second, logically separate plane for directing data transport through the network.