Force10 Networks, Inc.

Rajeev Manur

Krishnamurthy Subramanian

Somsubhra Sikdar

Shivi Fotedar

Tissa Senevirathne

Vishal Zinjuvadia

Eddie Tan

A packet network device has multiple equal output paths for at least some traffic flows. The device adjusts load between the paths using a structure that has more entries than the number of equal output paths, with at least some of the output paths appearing as entries in the structure more than once. By adjusting the frequency and/or order of the entries, the device can effect changes in the portion of the traffic flows directed to each of the equal output paths. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Adaptive load balancing between ECMP or LAG port group members

Traffic engineering using a label-switching protocol is enhanced for label-switched paths that traverse a logical link that is an aggregation of component links. In one embodiment, a label edge router is provided with information regarding the bandwidth capabilities and loading of the component links of a LAG. The label edge router is then allowed to set up paths that traverse a specific component link of a LAG, and reserve bandwidth on such a component link. Other traffic may continue to be distributed across the LAG membership.

Leaking component link traffic engineering information

Transparent point-to-point connectivity is provided between an incoming interface on an ingress node and an outgoing interface on an egress node in a network. An address associated with the egress node is circulated to the nodes in the network and a next hop address toward the egress node address is determined at each node. A label value is circulated along with the egress node address to the nodes. Examples of label values can include VLAN Ids or Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) labels. If data is received having the label value, the node receiving the data identifies the next hop address associated with that label value and transfers the data to the next hop associated with the identified next hop address.

Method and apparatus for providing virtual point to point connections in a network

A network-processor device comprises a packet-processor for an ingress port that is operative to distribute data flows to a plurality of equal-cost paths for transfer of data toward a given destination. The packet-processor also includes further distribution circuitry for designating a link of a link aggregation by which to channel the data between routers within a part of a selected path. Accordingly, each of the layer distributions&#x2014;i.e., amongst the higher-level equal-cost-paths and amongst the lower-level link aggregation&#x2014;are capable of being coordinated by a common, generic packet-processor.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Rajeev Manur