Patent ID: 7302493
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An Internet service node (ISN) for providing a service policy for a subscriber, the ISN comprising: an access port operative to receive a plurality of bit groups related to a data flow; a switch fabric coupled to the access port, the switch fabric operative to receive the plurality of bit groups and to associate the plurality of bit groups with the data flow, a plurality of packet service cards coupled to the switch fabric, at least one of the packet service cards operative to receive the plurality of bit groups and to process each of the bit groups according to a processing rule derived from a service policy associated with the data flow, wherein each packet service card of the plurality of packet service cards corresponds to a different service policy type; the processing rule containing a classifier and an associated action, the classifier identifying at least one data flow to which the associated action is to be applied, the switch fabric being operative to forward the plurality of bit groups to a packet service card allocated for the associated data flow; and a trunk port coupled to the switch fabric, the trunk port operative to transmit the processed plurality of bit groups associated with the data flow, wherein processing the bit groups according to the processing rule enables the ISN to provide a service policy for the subscribers.