Patent ID: 9036470
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of managing networks, the method comprising: receiving a first packet associated with a first network flow at a network device; determining one or more first characteristics of the first network flow based on information associated with the first packet; determining one or more second characteristics of a first virtual private application network (VPAN) based on information associated with the one or more first characteristics; assigning the first network flow to the first VPAN; selecting one or more first network switching devices to be associated with the first VPAN; determining a first path for forwarding network traffic associated with the first network flow using the selected one or more first network switching devices; transmitting one or more first flow control messages to the selected one or more first network switching devices, the one or more first flow control messages providing forwarding instructions for the network traffic associated with the first network flow to the selected one or more first network switching devices; monitoring network status; determining whether there has been a network change based on the monitored network status; and when a network change is determined: