Abstract: A bitmap network mask is described for use in network functions such as data packet forwarding, access control list processing, and policy application determination. The bitmap network mask can be applied to a random collection of network parameters if desired. In one format, the bitmap network mask includes a mask sequence of entries in which each entry corresponds to a network parameter covered by the bitmap network mask and one or more indexing parameters for locating an entry in the mask sequence.

Abstract: A network security system is provided comprising a plurality of network bubbles wherein each bubble includes bubble members configured to transmit and receive data. Bubbles have network security policies that may be enforced by a plurality of network control point devices. The system further includes a private virtual backbone configured to interconnect the plurality of network control points connected to known bubbles. The privacy of the private virtual backbone is maintained by an inter-bubble device and/or set of two network control points. The inter-bubble device and set of control points enforce the network security policies of any connected bubble and relay data packets between address spaces. The private virtual backbone may operate in private address space. The system also includes an instance-specific virtual backbone that interconnects only bubble partitions from the same network bubble, thus simplifying the enforcement of a network security policy.

Abstract: A method of creating a discontiguous address plan for an enterprise is provided which includes determining a hierarchy of routing optimization for an enterprise, determining a number of route advertisement aggregation points at each level of the hierarchy, determining a number of network security policy areas for the enterprise, and determining a number of addresses for each of the network security policy areas. The number of addresses is rounded up to a power of the address scheme base number to produce a plurality of rounded addresses. The method further includes allocating an address range for each of the plurality of rounded addresses so that a starting address of the address range begins on a power of the base number and determining a size of the plurality of address ranges. The size of the plurality of address ranges is rounded up to a power of the base number to produce the size of a repeating policy pattern.