Cisco Technology, Inc.

David Getchell

Clarence Filsfils

Anna Charny

Mohammed Ismael Tatar

David J Tsiang

Robert M Broberg

John Bettink

In one embodiment, an apparatus generally comprises one or more input interfaces for receiving a plurality of flows, a plurality of output interfaces, and a processor operable to identify large flows and select one of the output interfaces for each of the large flows to load-balance the large flows over the output interfaces. The apparatus further includes memory for storing a list of the large flows, a pinning mechanism for pinning the large flows to the selected interfaces, and a load-balance mechanism for selecting one of the output interfaces for each of the remaining flows. A method for local placement of large flows to assist in load-balancing is also disclosed.

Local placement of large flows to assist load-balancing

The invention provides a method and system for coupling a SONET/SDH network to a routing network that does not have a single point of failure. Multiple routers are coupled between the SONET/SDH network and the routing network, one for each data path; for example, a first router for the working data path and a second router for the protection data path. The routers intercommunicate to force APS to switch data paths bidirectionally, so as to allow only a single router for each data path.

Extending SONET/SDH automatic protection switching

Growing community of inventors

Castro Valley, CA, United States of America

David Getchell