Patent ID: 6412006
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a computer network with a plurality of network nodes, the network nodes having a packet switched connection to a packet switched network, and selected ones of the network nodes having a delay sensitive connection to selected other ones of the network nodes, wherein the delay sensitive connection includes a plurality of individual delay sensitive channels, a method for determining a status of a delay sensitive connection from any network node in the computer network, the method comprising the following steps:receiving a selection input on a delay sensitive connection on a first network node to change a status on a delay sensitive connection between the first network node and a second network node; changing a status from the first network node on one or more of the plurality of individual delay sensitive channels on the delay sensitive connection based on the selection input; and sending a control message with a predetermined protocol on the packet switched network from the first network node to the other network nodes in the computer network indicating the change in status of the delay sensitive connection, wherein information received in the control message is stored in status tables on the plurality of network nodes, and wherein a selected network node determines with a status table a lowest cost delay sensitive connection path between the selected network node and any other network node in the computer network, and wherein the lowest cost delay sensitive connection path is a shortest delay sensitive connection path with a desired quality of service.