Network having secure fast packet switching and guaranteed quality of

Abstract

Apparatus and method for establishing 'virtual connections' through a packet switched data communications network, the network including a plurality of end systems and switches connected by links. Each end system has a unique physical layer address and each switch has a connection database of valid connections between different ports on the switch and a switching mechanism for establishing temporary connections. Each switch is registered with a connection server such that, prior to transmission of a connectionless datagram from a first end system to a second end system, a path of valid connections through one or more switches from the first end system to the second end system is determined by configuring the connection table of each switch on the path with a connection identifier identified by the physical layer addresses of the first and second end systems, and wherein the data packet remains as a connectionless datagram. In other aspects, an improved method is providing for allocating bandwidth among competing devices requesting access to a bandwidth limited shared resource (e.g., the previously defined switch), and to a search method for making a best path determination through the network based on a number of constraints.