Patent ID: 7447798
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for dynamically selecting a route in a data network to an application, wherein the application is available at a plurality of distinct network locations, each of the network locations served by at least one network service provider and a first one of the network locations served by a plurality of service providers, comprising: receiving an access request for the application; determining a virtual IP address for the application that is associated with one of the network service providers based upon load data for each of the network locations; if the virtual IP address corresponds to the first network location, then analyzing performance data for a path through each of the network service providers serving the first network location; and based on the performance data, selecting a path through a selected one of the network service providers serving the first network location; if the virtual IP address is associated with the selected network service provider, then providing the virtual IP address in response to the access request; and if the virtual IP address is not associated with the selected service provider, then providing an IP address that is associated with the selected service provider in response to the access request.