Patent ID: 7508766
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of routing a data packet at a network node, the method comprising: (a) determining valid node outputs to which the packet may be routed; (b) generating a routing factor for each of the valid node outputs to which the packet may be routed; (c) randomly selecting one of said valid node outputs, the probability of selecting one of the valid node outputs is inversely proportional to the respective routing factor for that node output; wherein the probability of selecting one of the valid node outputs is related to the respective routing factor for that node output; and wherein the routing factor includes a component which depends upon the shortest possible number of hops in which the packet could reach its ultimate destination if it were routed via the respective node output, such that the fewer the number of hops, the more likely it is that the respective output node will be selected.