Patent ID: 7035259

Claim:
A label switch network system having a plurality of label switch nodes interconnected by network links where layer 2 paths are set up by specified routes between the plurality of label switch nodes from a network ingress to a network egress, comprising: an ingress node which is disposed at the network ingress of the label switch network that transfers packets corresponding to packet flows based on labels, and which selects layer 2 paths for transferring the packets with reference to the header or payload information of the packets; and a policy server connected to the ingress node and instructing the ingress node to set up the layer 2 paths in compliance with policy control protocols when at least one of a user makes a request or a stains change in the network arises; wherein the ingress node sets up the layer 2 paths between the plurality of label switch nodes from the network ingress to the network egress, based on an instruction given by the policy server.