Patent ID: 7937472
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A processing node for processing data items in a data network, said data items having path characterisation metrics associated therewith; said processing node comprising: means for receiving data items; means for receiving path characterisation metrics associated with said data items, and for identifying characteristic values in respect of said data items from the path characterisation metrics associated therewith; and a process selection means including a computer processor, said process selection means comprising: deriving means for deriving a collective value from characteristic values identified in respect of a plurality of said data items; comparing means for comparing characteristic values identified in respect of each of a plurality of said data items with a predetermined target value; means for subjecting data items in respect of which the characteristic values are on a first side of said predetermined target value to a first process; selecting means for selecting, according to a predetermined selecting function dependent on said collective value, at least some of said data items in respect of which the characteristic values are on a second side of said predetermined target value; and means for subjecting the selected data items to a second process, said second process being different from said first process.