Patent ID: 7633871
Filing Date: 2009-12-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: distributing packet flows across a set of data paths in accordance with a distribution map that associates hash values with forwarding elements, wherein the packet flows include a first packet flow having a first hash value associated with a first forwarding element by the distribution map; identifying a gap in which no packet was received for the first packet flow for at least a defined threshold length of time; upon identifying the gap, selecting a second forwarding element based on traffic flow statistics for the packet flows and reassigning the first packet flow to the second forwarding element by updating the distribution map to associate the first hash value to the second forwarding element; after updating the distribution map to reassign the first packet flow, receiving additional packets for the first packet flow; and forwarding the additional packets of the reassigned first packet flow using the second forwarding element.