Patent ID: 7733798
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: H04L,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving topology data that indicates a plurality of communication links and a plurality of intermediate network nodes in communication based on the plurality of communication links, wherein the plurality of intermediate network nodes includes a plurality of leaf nodes that terminate communications and a plurality of transit nodes that facilitate the passage of information between leaf nodes; receiving aggregation point data that indicates all aggregation points on the plurality of intermediate network nodes, wherein an aggregation point is an interface between a network node and a communication link, which interface outputs data that is a combination of data received through a plurality of different interfaces; determining a set of paths, wherein each path in the set connects a different pair of leaf nodes; and determining a measure of aggregation, for a network, based on a number of aggregated paths of the set of paths; wherein an aggregated path passes through an aggregation point; wherein determining the measure of aggregation further comprises determining a ratio of the number of aggregated paths to a number of paths in the set of paths; wherein the method is performed by one or more processors.