Patents by Inventor Keith E. Amidon
Keith E. Amidon has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230353485Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that processes network data through a network. The method receives a packet destined for a network host associated with a logical datapath set implemented by a set of managed edge switching elements and a set of managed non-edge switching elements in the network. The method determines whether the packet is a known packet. When the packet is a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed edge switching elements for forwarding to the network host. When the packet is not a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed non-edge switching elements for further processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Teemu Koponen, Keith E. Amidon, Paul S. Ingram, Martin Casado
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Patent number: 11683214Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a network are described. A view of current state of the network is maintained where the current state of the network characterizes network topology and network constituents, including network entities and network elements residing in or on the network. Events are announced that correspond to changes in the state of the network and one or more network elements can be configured accordingly. Methods for managing network traffic are described that ensure forwarding and other actions taken by network elements implement globally declared network policy and refer to high-level names, independently of network topology and the location of network constituents. Methods for discovering network constituents are described, whereby are automatically configured. Routing may be performed using ACL and packets can be intercepted to permit host to continue in sleep mode. The methods are applicable to virtual environments.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Natasha Gude, Justin Pettit, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Scott J. Shenker, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 11641321Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that processes network data through a network. The method receives a packet destined for a network host associated with a logical datapath set implemented by a set of managed edge switching elements and a set of managed non-edge switching elements in the network. The method determines whether the packet is a known packet. When the packet is a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed edge switching elements for forwarding to the network host. When the packet is not a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed non-edge switching elements for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Teemu Koponen, Keith E. Amidon, Paul S. Ingram, Martin Casado
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Publication number: 20220400088Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a virtual platform in which one or more distributed virtual switches can be created for use in virtual networking. According to some aspects, the distributed virtual switch according to the invention provides the ability for virtual and physical machines to more readily, securely, and efficiently communicate with each other even if they are not located on the same physical host and/or in the same subnet or VLAN. According other aspects, the distributed virtual switches of the invention can support integration with traditional IP networks and support sophisticated IP technologies including NAT functionality, stateful firewalling, and notifying the IP network of workload migration. According to further aspects, the virtual platform of the invention creates one or more distributed virtual switches which may be allocated to a tenant, application, or other entity requiring isolation and/or independent configuration state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Martin Casado, Paul Ingram, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Teemu Koponen, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Justin Pettit, Jesse E. Gross, IV, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 11425055Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a virtual platform in which one or more distributed virtual switches can be created for use in virtual networking. According to some aspects, the distributed virtual switch according to the invention provides the ability for virtual and physical machines to more readily, securely, and efficiently communicate with each other even if they are not located on the same physical host and/or in the same subnet or VLAN. According other aspects, the distributed virtual switches of the invention can support integration with traditional IP networks and support sophisticated IP technologies including NAT functionality, stateful firewalling, and notifying the IP network of workload migration. According to further aspects, the virtual platform of the invention creates one or more distributed virtual switches which may be allocated to a tenant, application, or other entity requiring isolation and/or independent configuration state.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Paul Ingram, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Teemu Koponen, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Justin Pettit, Jesse E. Gross, IV, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Publication number: 20210258269Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a virtual platform in which one or more distributed virtual switches can be created for use in virtual networking. According to some aspects, the distributed virtual switch according to the invention provides the ability for virtual and physical machines to more readily, securely, and efficiently communicate with each other even if they are not located on the same physical host and/or in the same subnet or VLAN. According other aspects, the distributed virtual switches of the invention can support integration with traditional IP networks and support sophisticated IP technologies including NAT functionality, stateful firewalling, and notifying the IP network of workload migration. According to further aspects, the virtual platform of the invention creates one or more distributed virtual switches which may be allocated to a tenant, application, or other entity requiring isolation and/or independent configuration state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Martin Casado, Paul Ingram, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Teemu Koponen, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Justin Pettit, Jesse E. Gross, IV, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 10931600Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a virtual platform in which one or more distributed virtual switches can be created for use in virtual networking. According to some aspects, the distributed virtual switch according to the invention provides the ability for virtual and physical machines to more readily, securely, and efficiently communicate with each other even if they are not located on the same physical host and/or in the same subnet or VLAN. According other aspects, the distributed virtual switches of the invention can support integration with traditional IP networks and support sophisticated IP technologies including NAT functionality, stateful firewalling, and notifying the IP network of workload migration. According to further aspects, the virtual platform of the invention creates one or more distributed virtual switches which may be allocated to a tenant, application, or other entity requiring isolation and/or independent configuration state.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Paul Ingram, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Teemu Koponen, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Justin Pettit, Jesse E. Gross, IV, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Publication number: 20210021455Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a network are described. A view of current state of the network is maintained where the current state of the network characterizes network topology and network constituents, including network entities and network elements residing in or on the network. Events are announced that correspond to changes in the state of the network and one or more network elements can be configured accordingly. Methods for managing network traffic are described that ensure forwarding and other actions taken by network elements implement globally declared network policy and refer to high-level names, independently of network topology and the location of network constituents. Methods for discovering network constituents are described, whereby are automatically configured. Routing may be performed using ACL and packets can be intercepted to permit host to continue in sleep mode. The methods are applicable to virtual environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Natasha Gude, Justin Pettit, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Scott J. Shenker, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 10749736Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a network are described. A view of current state of the network is maintained where the current state of the network characterizes network topology and network constituents, including network entities and network elements residing in or on the network. Events are announced that correspond to changes in the state of the network and one or more network elements can be configured accordingly. Methods for managing network traffic are described that ensure forwarding and other actions taken by network elements implement globally declared network policy and refer to high-level names, independently of network topology and the location of network constituents. Methods for discovering network constituents are described, whereby are automatically configured. Routing may be performed using ACL and packets can be intercepted to permit host to continue in sleep mode. The methods are applicable to virtual environments.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Natasha Gude, Justin Pettit, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Scott J. Shenker, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 10484289Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for reducing the transmission of connection validating control signals when they are not needed. Network entities transmit connection validating control signals over network connections at regular intervals to validate that the network connections and the network entities remain functional. The method monitors data traffic fluctuations on the network connections to determine when connection validating control signals may not be needed. The method reduces unnecessary connection validating control signals in order to optimize the usage of network resources.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Ethan J. Jackson, Keith E. Amidon, Andy Zhou
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Publication number: 20190044845Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that processes network data through a network. The method receives a packet destined for a network host associated with a logical datapath set implemented by a set of managed edge switching elements and a set of managed non-edge switching elements in the network. The method determines whether the packet is a known packet. When the packet is a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed edge switching elements for forwarding to the network host. When the packet is not a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed non-edge switching elements for further processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Teemu Koponen, Keith E. Amidon, Paul S. Ingram, Martin Casado
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Publication number: 20190028351Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that includes a set of network controllers for receiving definitions of first and second logical switching elements. The system includes several managed switching elements. The set of network controllers configure the several managed switching elements to implement the defined first and second logical switching elements. The system includes several network hosts that are each (1) communicatively coupled to one of the several managed switching elements and (2) associated with one of the first and second logical switching elements. Network data communicated between network hosts associated with the first logical switching element are isolated from network data communicated between network hosts associated with the second logical switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Benjamin L. Pfaff
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Patent number: 10038597Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that includes a set of network controllers for receiving definitions of first and second logical switching elements. The system includes several managed switching elements. The set of network controllers configure the several managed switching elements to implement the defined first and second logical switching elements. The system includes several network hosts that are each (1) communicatively coupled to one of the several managed switching elements and (2) associated with one of the first and second logical switching elements. Network data communicated between network hosts associated with the first logical switching element are isolated from network data communicated between network hosts associated with the second logical switching element.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Teemu Koponen, W. Andrew Lambeth
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Patent number: 10021019Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method that processes network data through a network. The method receives a packet destined for a network host associated with a logical datapath set implemented by a set of managed edge switching elements and a set of managed non-edge switching elements in the network. The method determines whether the packet is a known packet. When the packet is a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed edge switching elements for forwarding to the network host. When the packet is not a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed non-edge switching elements for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Teemu Koponen, Keith E. Amidon, Paul S. Ingram, Martin Casado
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Publication number: 20180102937Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a network are described. A view of current state of the network is maintained where the current state of the network characterizes network topology and network constituents, including network entities and network elements residing in or on the network. Events are announced that correspond to changes in the state of the network and one or more network elements can be configured accordingly. Methods for managing network traffic are described that ensure forwarding and other actions taken by network elements implement globally declared network policy and refer to high-level names, independently of network topology and the location of network constituents. Methods for discovering network constituents are described, whereby are automatically configured. Routing may be performed using ACL and packets can be intercepted to permit host to continue in sleep mode. The methods are applicable to virtual environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Natasha Gude, Justin Pettit, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Scott J. Shenker, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 9876672Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a network are described. A view of current state of the network is maintained where the current state of the network characterizes network topology and network constituents, including network entities and network elements residing in or on the network. Events are announced that correspond to changes in the state of the network and one or more network elements can be configured accordingly. Methods for managing network traffic are described that ensure forwarding and other actions taken by network elements implement globally declared network policy and refer to high-level names, independently of network topology and the location of network constituents. Methods for discovering network constituents are described, whereby are automatically configured. Routing may be performed using ACL and packets can be intercepted to permit host to continue in sleep mode. The methods are applicable to virtual environments.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Martin Casado, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Natasha Gude, Justin Pettit, Benjamin Levy Pfaff, Scott J Shenker, Daniel J Wendlandt
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Publication number: 20170331750Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for reducing the transmission of connection validating control signals when they are not needed. Network entities transmit connection validating control signals over network connections at regular intervals to validate that the network connections and the network entities remain functional. The method monitors data traffic fluctuations on the network connections to determine when connection validating control signals may not be needed. The method reduces unnecessary connection validating control signals in order to optimize the usage of network resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Ethan J. Jackson, Keith E. Amidon, Andy Zhou
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Patent number: 9692655Abstract: Some embodiments provide a managed network for implementing a logical switching element. The managed network includes several managed edge switching elements that are each for (1) receiving packets for forwarding through the logical switching element and (2) forwarding packets that are known to the managed edge switching element to other managed edge switching elements in the several managed edge switching elements. The managed network includes a set of managed non-edge switching elements for (1) receiving packets from the several managed edge switching elements that are unknown to a particular managed edge switching element in the several managed edge switching elements and (2) forwarding packets to the several managed edge switching elements that are unknown to the several managed edge switching elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Teemu Koponen, Keith E. Amidon, Paul S. Ingram, Martin Casado
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Publication number: 20170163570Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to a virtual platform in which one or more distributed virtual switches can be created for use in virtual networking. According to some aspects, the distributed virtual switch according to the invention provides the ability for virtual and physical machines to more readily, securely, and efficiently communicate with each other even if they are not located on the same physical host and/or in the same subnet or VLAN. According other aspects, the distributed virtual switches of the invention can support integration with traditional IP networks and support sophisticated IP technologies including NAT functionality, stateful firewalling, and notifying the IP network of workload migration. According to further aspects, the virtual platform of the invention creates one or more distributed virtual switches which may be allocated to a tenant, application, or other entity requiring isolation and/or independent configuration state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Martin Casado, Paul Ingram, Keith E. Amidon, Peter J. Balland, III, Teemu Koponen, Benjamin L. Pfaff, Justin Pettit, Jesse E. Gross, IV, Daniel J. Wendlandt
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Patent number: 9667556Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for reducing the transmission of connection validating control signals when they are not needed. Network entities transmit connection validating control signals over network connections at regular intervals to validate that the network connections and the network entities remain functional. The method monitors data traffic fluctuations on the network connections to determine when connection validating control signals may not be needed. The method reduces unnecessary connection validating control signals in order to optimize the usage of network resources.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: NICIRA, INC.Inventors: Ethan J. Jackson, Keith E. Amidon, Andy Zhou