Abstract: A method for obtaining a secured routing functionality in a white-boxes based cluster which comprises a plurality of standalone white-boxes, wherein at least two of the standalone white-boxes were manufactured by different manufacturers, and wherein the method comprising identifying a serial number (S/N) associated with each white-box to be included in that cluster, determining pre-defined properties of each respective white-box based on the identification, and installing each of the white-boxes together with a respective computing platform software comprising a software agent provided by the manufacturer of that white-box.

Abstract: A disaggregated routing system is provided for use in a communication network comprising a plurality of white boxes, wherein at least four of the plurality of white boxes are each configured to carry out a functionality different from the functionalities which the other three of the at least four of the plurality of white boxes are configured to carry out, and wherein each of the at least four of the plurality of white boxes is identified based on its functionality.

Abstract: A network processing element and method for using it, are provided for use in a cluster comprising a plurality of network processing elements, wherein the network processing element is configured to enable provisioning of a plurality of different services, wherein the network processing element is configured to store state data associated with one or more functions required for carrying out each of the plurality of different services, and wherein the network processing element is further configured to provide a service or part thereof, based on the state data associated the network processing element's processing resources required for carrying out one or more functions in the provisioning of the requested service.

Abstract: A method for executing instructions embedded in two threads stored in a system including two operating units and a virtual managing entity for holding queues for virtual objects (VO) waiting to use a respective operating unit and diverting them between queues. Each VO is associated with two virtual timers, one measuring a time period during which the VO is held in the queue (TIQ) and the other providing time period during which the VO will remain in an alive state (TTL). The method includes receiving information relating to VOs associated with the two threads; operating on VOs for which their TTLs have expired; upon emerging from its respective queue, determining whether each VO should be diverted to another queue; upon diverting the VO, resetting its TIQ timer; and allocating an access time to each VO based on a number of threads requiring that VO and the TIQ associated therewith.

Abstract: A communication router, adapted for use in an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol compliant communication network, is provided. The communication router comprises processing means configured to automatically adjust the communication router's cost metrics set for forwarding communication traffic via at least one link that extends between that communication router and a respective adjacent neighboring router. The cost metrics is adjusted in compliance with costs determined by the respective adjacent neighboring router for forwarding traffic from the respective adjacent neighboring router along that link.

Abstract: A physical network element is provided which is configured to operate as a plurality of separated routing entities, each functioning independently of the others, wherein the physical network element is characterized in that: a) each of the plurality of routing entities is provided with its own control, management and data planes, as well as with a dedicated routing information base table and a forwarding information base table; and b) all of the plurality of routing entities are configured to operate while sharing at least one member of a group that consists of: (i) one or more packet processors comprised in the physical network element; (ii) one or more central processing units (CPUs) comprised in the physical network element; (iii) one or more fabrics comprised in the physical network element; and (iv) one or more network interfaces comprised in the physical network element.

Abstract: A method for use in a communication network is provided.

Abstract: A communication system comprising at least one smart network interface card (“NIC”) provided with a logic/programmable processor and a local memory, and a computing element, wherein a communication bus is used to connect said smart NIC and said computing element to enable forwarding data there-between, wherein the system is characterized in that said smart NIC is configured to receive data packets, to extract data therefrom and to forward less than all data comprised in the received data packets, to said computing element along said communication bus, and wherein the forwarded data comprises data which is preferably required for making networking decisions that relate to that respective data packet.

Abstract: A network element is provided, configured to operate in an IP-based communication network and to manage resources in that communication network which are being utilized by a software application. The management of these resources is carried out by the network element (e.g. a router) through affecting changes in these resources in response to obtaining information retrieved from an application program interface (API) associated with the software application, such as for example, values of key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with the software application.

Abstract: A parallel-processing computer system is provided for parallel processing of data packets conveyed in a communication network. The system comprises: a memory; a plurality of processing elements; and a program stored at the memory for execution by the plurality of processing elements.

Abstract: A sub-system is described which is operative to be used as a virtual Provider Edge (v PE) cluster of an SDN communication system. The sub-system comprises a plurality of network elements, wherein the v PE cluster further comprises one or more virtual routing engines for routing traffic to/from the plurality of network elements, the one or more virtual routing engines are configured to communicate with a managing entity and with a plurality of virtual forwarding engines, and wherein the managing entity is configured to manage operation of the one or more virtual routing engines and the plurality of virtual forwarding engines. According to another aspect, the sub-system comprises a plurality of network elements and a managing entity, wherein the network elements having each one or more ports to convey traffic therethrough, and wherein at least one of the ports associated with the sub-system is configured to serve a plurality of customers.

Abstract: An SDN communication system comprising a plurality of White Boxes and a plurality of servers, characterized in that all traffic to/from a plurality of mobile elements, to/from a plurality of broadband communication elements and to/from enterprises, is forwarded after it has been re-arranged based on pre-defined criteria via a single unified cloud, and wherein the unified cloud extends from a plurality of users to a core network, covering a Last Mile network, a Metro network and an Edge network.