초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for dynamically discovering and utilizing an optimized network path through overlay routing for the transmission of data. A determination whether to use a default network path or to instead use an alternate data forwarding path through one or more overlay nodes is

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for dynamically discovering and utilizing an optimized network path through overlay routing for the transmission of data. A determination whether to use a default network path or to instead use an alternate data forwarding path through one or more overlay nodes is based on real-time measurement of costs associated with the alternative paths, in response to a user request for transmission of message data to a destination on the network. Cost metrics include delay, throughput, jitter, loss, and security. The system chooses the best path among the default forwarding path and the multiple alternate forwarding paths, and implements appropriate control actions to force data transmission along the chosen path. No modification of established network communication protocols is required.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for selecting a path from a dynamic router to a destination, the method comprising:selecting a default path for transmitting data from a dynamic router to a destination by using one or more existing routing mechanisms of a communications network; receiving real-time traffic information,

1. A method for selecting a path from a dynamic router to a destination, the method comprising:selecting a default path for transmitting data from a dynamic router to a destination by using one or more existing routing mechanisms of a communications network; receiving real-time traffic information, wherein receiving real-time traffic information is distinct from deriving paths using one or more existing routing mechanisms; characterizing real-time traffic information to obtain a first cost associated with an alternative path for transmitting data to the destination; providing an indication that a received packet having a source field and a destination field should be transmitted to the destination by using the alternative path when the first cost is less than a second cost associated the default path, wherein disregarding the selection of the default path allows the path from a dynamic router to the destination to be dynamically selected in a network where the destination field in the received packet is used by nodes in the default and alternative paths to forward the received packet toward the destination.