Netscout Systems, Inc.

Eastern Research Inc.

John C Curtis

Steven M Rosenberry

David A Greenbaum

Peter D Toich

A method in a flow controller for selecting optimal path is provided. A plurality of potential flow paths in the network for a particular pair of source and destination switch ports is determined in a flow controller. A plurality of cost factors associated with each of the plurality of potential flow paths is identified. Individual cost values are determined for each of the identified plurality of cost factors for each of the plurality of potential flow paths by multiplying the identified cost factors by a stratification factor. A single cost value for each of the plurality of potential flow paths is determined based on the determined individual cost values. One of the potential flow paths is selected in the flow controller for the particular pair of source and destination switch ports based upon the determined single cost value.

Calculation of a lowest cost path

A system and method for testing packet switch networks is provided. The method comprises establishing a first network path associated with a first device and a local device. The first network path includes at least a first router, a second router, and a data link layer switch. A first route and a second route along the first network path are established. The method further includes preventing any packets received from the first device via the first route from reaching the local device, allowing packets received via the second route to reach the local device, and directing packets sent by the local device to a test set using the second static route.

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Spring Lake Heights, NJ, United States of America

John C Curtis