Patent ID: 9712488
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: H04L

Claim:
1. A system comprising: a plurality of data processing entities for processing data flows which require contextual information be maintained, each data processing entity including a memory for storing the contextual information of data flows being processed by the data processing entity, each data processing entity forwarding data flows not being currently processed by the data processing entity to the proper data processing entity processing that data flow, the data processing entity determining which data flows it is to be processing based on a distribution rule, each data processing entity providing information on the forwarding of data flows that is occurring; at least one data distribution entity coupled to the plurality of data processing entities for directing a data flow to a data processing entity based on a distribution rule; and a distribution decision entity coupled to the plurality of data processing entities and the at least one data distribution entity, the distribution decision entity developing distribution rules for use by the plurality of data processing entities and the at least one data distribution entity, wherein the distribution decision entity develops a new distribution rule when the number of data processing entities changes and distributes the new distribution rule to the plurality of data processing entities and the at least one data distribution entity, and wherein a data processing entity transfers the contextual information of a data flow that was previously processed by the data processing entity to a different data processing entity after receiving the new distribution rule, the transfer occurring when the data flow is in an idle mode.