Patent ID: 8160056
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a preferred route to a router for a predetermined block of traffic, the method comprising: providing the preferred route to the router for the predetermined block of traffic that is destined for a predetermined destination coupled to a backbone network via a plurality of egress routers, wherein the preferred route comprises an intelligent route service control point in the backbone network; determining the preferred route based on monitored traffic load information obtained from at least one ingress router of the backbone network and without intervention by a device of the predetermined destination and an operator of the backbone network; overriding an initial route determined based upon interior gateway protocol information with the preferred route, wherein the preferred route includes a first egress router of the plurality of egress routers, wherein the initial route comprises a second egress router of the plurality of egress routers, wherein the second egress router is distinct from the first egress router, wherein the preferred route includes a special community value indicating that the preferred route with the special community value is less preferred than a different route without the special community value such that the second egress router is avoided as the predetermined block of traffic reaches the predetermined destination; restricting distribution of the preferred route to a predetermined subset of egress routers of the plurality of egress routers; flooding the subset of the egress routers with the preferred route; and providing a web-based interface to enable a customer intended to receive the predetermined block of traffic to select which egress routers of the plurality of egress routers are utilized in the preferred route, wherein the web-based interface enables the customer to load balance traffic, and wherein the web-based interface enables the customer to override the preferred route and the initial route.