Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Switching a message which includes an address header
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-30
2001-06-26
Olms, Douglas (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Switching a message which includes an address header
C370S400000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06252878
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to data communication, and more particularly to a switched architecture access server.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A router provides communication between two different networks. For example, a router may allow communication between a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN). Depending on the particular application, routers perform a variety of termination, conversion, segmentation, reassembly, and addressing functions.
Existing routers are termination devices that terminate information communicated using a WAN protocol, such as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). The router converts and routes the received information to a destination using a LAN protocol, such as Ethernet. The termination and subsequent routing of information is a processor-intensive activity that often degrades the quality of service or bandwidth available to network users. Continuing bandwidth demands from bursty traffic, the proliferation of high bandwidth applications like real-time video, and the overall increased use of data communication networks exacerbates this problem. Existing routers fail to provide modularity and scalability to accommodate these increased demands for fast and reliable data service.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with routers have been substantially reduced or eliminated. In particular, the present invention includes an access server with a switch fabric that directs information to a selected route processor based on its loading characteristics.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a communication system includes a communication server coupled to a communication device using a subscriber line that forms a local loop between the communication device and the communication server. An access server, coupled to the communication server using a data network, includes a switch fabric coupled to a number of route processors. The switch fabric directs information from the communication device to a selected route processor based on its loading characteristics.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an access server includes a first network interface to receive information associated with a session. The access server also includes a number of route processors, each route processor having a loading characteristic indicating its level of activity. A switch fabric has a first port and a number of second ports. The first port of the switch fabric couples to the first network interface, and each second port of the switch fabric couples to an associated route processor. The switch fabric couples information associated with a session to a selected route processor based on its loading characteristics.
Important technical advantages of the present invention include an access server that provides communication between a first network and a second network using a switch fabric and a number of route processors. In a particular embodiment, the first network is a WAN that supports asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communication and the second network is a LAN that supports Ethernet communication. The switch fabric routes, switches, and/or directs information associated with data sessions to a number of route processors based on their loading characteristics. The loading characteristics may include a packet rate, error rate, session count, idle time, or other measure that indicates the level of activity of each route processor.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention includes the establishment and efficient handling of information associated with sessions. The switch fabric identifies sessions, establishes mappings and virtual channels, and switches information to selected route processors using high bandwidth techniques, such as ATM cell routing. A number of separate route processors perform processor-intensive LAN packet assembly, authentication, and routing depending on their current loading characteristics. The access server can upgrade or add route processors in a modular and scalable fashion to accommodate more sessions and higher bandwidth use of the access server. The switch fabric, therefore, provides a load balancing, traffic segmentation, and session management function not found in traditional routers.
Further technical advantages of the present invention include a LAN interface that provides a switching function to segment traffic communicated to devices serviced by the LAN. In addition, the LAN interface also directs traffic received from devices serviced by the LAN to selected route processors. In a particular embodiment, the WAN interface, switch fabric, route processors, and LAN interface all reside in a single housing. Other important technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Brewer William K.
Cantrell Craig S.
Carew Anthony J. P.
Locklear, Jr. Robert H.
McClanahan Kip R.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Cisco Technology Inc.
Olms Douglas
Pizarro Ricardo M.
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