Patent ID: 7031311
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for providing rapid rerouting of real-time multi-media data flows, wherein each flow comprises packets flowing between a first endpoint and a second endpoint, wherein each endpoint comprises a network address and source port, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of data packets at a first endpoint from a second endpoint, each of the packets corresponding to a first flow; determining a translated source address and a translated destination address for each said data packet; selecting one forwarding destination for each data packet from a plurality of forwarding destinations when more than one path to the translated destination address is available, wherein said selecting is based on flow quality statistics associated with the first flow; performing flow processing, wherein said step of performing flow processing further comprises the steps of: determining a source address and a destination address of said data packet; determining if a flow transform record (FTR) is located within said first endpoint; if said FTR exists within said first endpoint, retrieving said FTR and determining whether to translate said source address, said destination address, or both said source address and said destination address in accordance with said retrieved FTR; determining if said data packet is a real-time control protocol (RTCP) data packet; and if said data packet is an RTCP data packet, processing said RTCP data packet to determine flow quality statistics.