Patent ID: 8738757

Claim:
A method implemented in a network element in a network, the network element to manage load distribution across a plurality of network interfaces of the network element, the network element to redirect traffic flow directed toward the plurality of network interfaces in response to changes in configuration of the plurality of network interfaces, wherein each traffic flow is a set of protocol data units (PDUs), having an ordered delivery requirement, that are transmitted across the network between a source node and a destination node, the method comprising the steps of: generating, by a processor in the network element, a set of load distribution tables having a hierarchical relationship for mapping a traffic flow to a plurality of equal cost paths, the hierarchical relationship defining a child or parent relation for each load distribution table with another load distribution table in the set of load distribution tables, wherein a child load distribution table and a corresponding parent load distribution table in the set of load distribution tables provide alternate load distribution schemes for the traffic flow across the plurality of network interfaces relative to one another, the alternative load distribution schemes to minimize changes to an initial load distribution scheme of the corresponding child load distribution table or parent load distribution table; storing the generated set of load distribution tables in a load distribution table memory unit; detecting, by the network element, a change in the configuration of the plurality of network interfaces corresponding to a first load distribution table from the set of load distribution tables; selecting a second load distribution table from among child load distribution tables or parent load distribution tables of the first load distribution table, the second load distribution table to provide an alternative load distribution scheme to distribute traffic flow directed toward the plurality of network interfaces that minimizes changes to an initial load distribution scheme of the first load distribution table for the traffic flow; and rerouting, by the network element, the traffic flow in accordance with the alternative load distribution scheme of the second load distribution table while minimizing changes to the load distribution scheme of the first load distribution table for the traffic flow.