Abstract: Load balancing apparatus for a data communications network comprises hash logic for computing a hash function on incoming data packets. A threshold detector is connected to the hash logic for triggering, in response to utilization of the downstream objects exceeding a predefined threshold, redefinition in the hash logic of parameters of the hash function from a first set of parameters to a second set of parameters for redistributing the data packets amongst the downstream objects.

Abstract: Load balancing apparatus for a data communications network comprises hash logic for computing a hash function on incoming data packets. A threshold detector is connected to the hash logic for triggering, in response to utilization of the downstream objects exceeding a predefined threshold, redefinition in the hash logic of parameters of the hash function from a first set of parameters to a second set of parameters for redistributing the data packets amongst the downstream objects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling flow rates of a plurality of data packet flows into a queue 4 corresponding to a resource 3 of a network device 1. The flows comprise a set 7 of non-responsive flows, and a set 8 of other flows which may comprise responsive flows and/or flows whose responsiveness is unknown. The flow rates are managed in accordance with a queue management scheme such that adjustments are made to each flow rate in dependence on excess bandwidth in the resource, the amounts of the adjustments being dependent on one or more adjustment parameters for each flow. An error signal is generated based on the deviation from a desired allocation ratio of the ratio of the total flow rates into the queue 4 for the sets of flows 7, 8. At least one adjustment parameter for at least one flow is then varied in dependence on the error signal in such a manner as to reduce the aforementioned deviation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling flow rates of a plurality of data packet flows into a queue 4 corresponding to a resource 3 of a network device 1. The flows comprise a set 7 of non-responsive flows, and a set 8 of other flows which may comprise responsive flows and/or flows whose responsiveness is unknown. The flow rates are managed in accordance with a queue management scheme such that adjustments are made to each flow rate in dependence on excess bandwidth in the resource, the amounts of the adjustments being dependent on one or more adjustment parameters for each flow. An error signal is generated based on the deviation from a desired allocation ratio of the ratio of the total flow rates into the queue 4 for the sets of flows 7, 8. At least one adjustment parameter for at least one flow is then varied in dependence on the error signal in such a manner as to reduce the aforementioned deviation.