Patent ID: 7656868
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A system of networks comprising a plurality of linked intermediate networks for providing an end-to-end connection between a system entry node and a system exit node, wherein: each intermediate network is connected to an incoming transit node and an outgoing transit node, between which a leg of the end-to-end connection is transported; the incoming and outgoing transit nodes of an individual intermediary network are connected to links between adjacent intermediary networks; an end-to-end service node is adapted to select intermediary networks and links which the end-to-end connection shall pass, and to set up connection legs through selected intermediary networks and links; and, transit control nodes are adapted to set up, control and administrate said end-to-end connection over said selected links between intermediary networks; wherein said entry and exit nodes comprise transit nodes; wherein said incoming and outgoing transit nodes comprise inward and outward portions, said inward portions comprising functionality for handling of packets according to the networking technology used locally in an intermediary network, and said outward portions comprising functionality for handling link technologies; wherein, in each intermediary network, the incoming transit node has a link tag table and the outgoing transit node has a transit tag table, wherein the portion of an end to end connection on a link to an incoming transit node is associated with a locally defined link tag and the leg of an end-to-end connection across an intermediary network is associated with a locally defined transit tag, and wherein, for an individual end-to-end connection, the link tag of packets at the incoming transit node are replaced with a transit tag used for transit of said end-to-end connection across said individual intermediary network; and, wherein said transit tag has been requested by said end-to-end service node from said outgoing transit node and is transferred to said incoming transit node for storage in a table.