Patent ID: 7222190
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of enforcing a policy for data communicated by a computer network designed to route data between a first point and a second point, the first point is coupled to one or more first networks, at least one of the first networks is coupled to at least one of a plurality of second networks, the at least one of the second networks is coupled to the second point, each of the networks includes at least one segment, wherein a path is provided between the first point and the second point for transporting the data communicated to the second point and includes a segment of the at least one of the first networks and a segment of the at least one of the second networks, the at least one of the first networks and the at least one of the second networks are coupled at an interconnection and the data communicated flows through the interconnection point, the method comprising: monitoring at least one usage characteristic associated with the segment of the at least one of the first networks; comparing the at least one usage characteristic with an associated usage requirement of a policy; determining that the at least one usage characteristic associated with the routing of data in the at least one of the first networks violates the usage requirement; monitoring at least one usage characteristic associated with at least another segment, the another segment being located in another first network; determining that one or more usage characteristic associated with the routing of data in the another first network complies with the usage requirement; and altering the routing of data such that data is routed through the another segment located in the another first network.