Patent ID: 7487224
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for routing a request by a first edge client, the method comprising: receiving the request at the first edge client located at an edge of a network; in response to receiving the request, determining whether the first edge client can satisfy the request; if the first edge client can satisfy the request, then providing a satisfied request; if the first edge client cannot satisfy the request, then determining whether a routing instruction that identifies a second edge client located at the edge of a network applies, the routing instruction being based on at least one of the following: a specific interval of time, a specific load on the first edge client, and a specific subject matter within the request; if the routing instruction applies, then routing the request to the second edge client, the routing being performed by a router having access to a routing table containing the routing instruction, the router being operatively associated with the first edge client, wherein the router further provides a central office switching function for a communication network; if the routing instruction does not apply, then routing the request according to a default routing instruction identifying a nearby edge client, wherein identifying the nearby edge client comprises evaluating physical proximity, a number of network hops to the nearby edge client, and information maintained about previous requests routed to the nearby edge client; determining whether the first edge client can satisfy a first portion of the request; if the first edge client can satisfy the first portion of the request, then routing a second portion of the request to the second edge client according to one of the following: the routing instruction, and the default routing instruction; determining whether the second edge client can satisfy the second portion of the request; and providing the first portion of the request and the second portion of the request, wherein providing the first portion of the request and the second portion of the request comprises one of the following: