Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Combined circuit switching and packet switching
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-02
2004-01-20
Olms, Douglas (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Combined circuit switching and packet switching
C370S352000, C370S410000, C370S522000, C370S524000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06680934
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to expediting control flow between nodes in a communication system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In today's information age, communication networks are often used for interconnecting computers and computer peripherals. A communication network typically includes a number of nodes that interoperate to route protocol messages. The various nodes in the communication network exchange various control messages in order to determine network routes and perform other control functions.
In order for the communication network to operate efficiently, it is necessary for certain control messages to be exchanged in a timely manner. For example, some routing protocols exchange link state advertisement control messages in order to distribute topology information to the nodes in the communication network. For another example, some routing protocols use “keep alive” control messages in order to determine the status of neighboring nodes. These and other high priority control messages must be received in a timely manner in order for the nodes to react appropriately to network conditions.
Unfortunately, the control messages are typically exchanged over the same communication paths as those used for routing other protocol messages. Therefore, receipt of the control messages can be delayed due to queuing behind preceding protocol messages, and control messages can be dropped along with certain protocol messages due to congestion or other reasons.
Thus, a mechanism for expediting control flow between nodes in a communication network is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a separate control channel for high priority control messages is established between two network nodes, and high priority control messages are exchanged over the control channel. The control channel may be a physical or virtual channel. Within a particular network node, a separate high priority queue is used for transferring high priority control messages between a control plane and a forwarding plane.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5535200 (1996-07-01), Gardner
patent: 6349100 (2002-02-01), Christie et al.
patent: 6463052 (2002-10-01), Christie
Hill and Associates, “The Internet, TCP/IP, and Routing”, pp. 19D.4.5-19D.4.18.*
Travis Russell, Signaling System #7, 1998, McGraw Hill Telecommunications, Second Edition, pp. 109-116.
Nortel Networks Limited
Olms Douglas
Steubing McGuinness & Manaras LLP
Wilson Robert W.
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