Patent ID: 7801149
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving, with a network device that supports at least three network protocols, a packet containing a first class of service (CoS) information, wherein the first CoS information specifies a class of service for the packet in a format that conforms to a first of the at least three supported network protocols used within a network; storing, within the network device, intermediate CoS information that provides a universal classification mechanism independent of: (i) any layer two protocols used within the network, and (ii) protocols of layers on top of layer two protocols used within the network; accessing the first CoS information within the packet to determine the class of service for the packet; mapping the first CoS information to the intermediate CoS information based on the class of service determined for the packet; mapping the intermediate CoS information to a second CoS information, wherein the second CoS information specifies the class of service for the packet in a format that conforms to a second of the at least three supported network protocols used within the network; and outputting the packet with the network device to forward the packet within the network in accordance with the second network protocol, the packet containing the second CoS information that specifies the class of service information for the packet in accordance the second network protocol.