METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING INTERNET PROTOCOL TRAFFIC IN A WAN OR LAN

摘要

Methods and apparatus for controlling traffic in a communications network (Fig. 5) include providing a plurality of local active nodes and a master node wherein the local active nodes poll network equipment associated with them and transmit information about network utilization to the master active node. Periodically the master active node transmits network status information to the local active nodes. The local active nodes may also query the master active node about network status. Hosts coupled to a local active node query the node for network status.