Patent ID: 7230949
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An overlay network for transporting a data packet through a base network, comprising: an ingress point coupled to the base network, wherein the ingress point maintains a virtual network routing table; and an egress point coupled to the base network, wherein the egress point gathers information corresponding to a destination local subnet associated with the egress point, but not associated with the ingress point, and sends the gathered information to the ingress point for inclusion in the virtual network routing table; wherein the ingress point further selects a virtual network circuit for transporting the data packet, the virtual network circuit beginning at the ingress point and ending at the egress point, and wherein the ingress point selects the circuit responsive to the virtual network routing table and a destination of the data packet, wherein the ingress point validates a route through the base network to the destination local subnet listed in the virtual network routing table by transmitting a probe packet to an address in the destination local subnet and receiving confirmation of detection from the egress point; and a second egress point coupled to the base network, wherein the second egress point gathers information corresponding to a second destination local subnet associated with the second egress point, and sends the gathered information to the ingress point for inclusion in the virtual network routing table.