Hierarchical mitigation of denial of service attacks on communication networks

Abstract

Systems and methods are described to enable mitigation of network attacks in communication networks. When a network attack is detected, packets within the communication network are routed through a hierarchical mitigation system, which includes at least two tiers of mitigation devices configured to apply mitigation techniques to the packets. Outer tiers of the hierarchical mitigation system (e.g., closer to an edge of the communication network) can apply simple mitigation techniques that are efficient even when distributed, and which provide early mitigation for attack packets while not requiring large amounts of computing resources. Inner tiers of the hierarchical mitigation system (e.g., closer to a destination device) can apply more complex mitigation systems that may require centralized application, and which provide more robust mitigation at a potentially higher computing resource cost.