Abstract: A method for a dataplane signaled bi-directional/symmetric service chain instantiation for efficient load balancing is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes configuring a policy that refers to multiple service function paths that could be used for load balancing network traffic. The method also includes selecting one of the multiple service function paths to send the network traffic in a forward direction. An encapsulation header includes service path identification information identifying the service function path selected for use in the forward direction and an indicator to indicate that that the network traffic is to be sent in a reverse direction using a same service function path selected used for the forward direction. The method includes encapsulating network traffic with the encapsulation header to causes a reverse classifier to program the same service function path for the reverse direction.

Abstract: A method of profiling communication traffic of users in a data network, comprising: monitoring communication traffic originated by a user of a communication terminal; and assigning to the user of the communication terminal a unique and anonymous user traffic identifier, wherein the user traffic identifier is related to a user address assigned to the communication terminal in the data network. Also, the user traffic identifier is adapted to be included in the communication traffic with respect to that user.

Abstract: A method of profiling communication traffic of users in a data network, comprising: monitoring communication traffic originated by a user of a communication terminal; and assigning to the user of the communication terminal a unique and anonymous user traffic identifier, wherein the user traffic identifier is related to a user address assigned to the communication terminal in the data network. Also, the user traffic identifier is adapted to be included in the communication traffic with respect to that user.

Abstract: A method of managing a congestion state in a server of a communication network is provided. The server includes a buffer storing a first number of service requests and having a maximum storage capacity. The method includes: in a first time frame, receiving a further service request to be stored in the buffer and determining whether to store such a further service request in the buffer or to refuse it; and, in a second time frame, deleting a second number of service requests stored in the buffer. The step of determining whether to store the further service request in the buffer or to refuse it includes refusing the further request according to a refusal probability if the first number is lower than the maximum storage capacity.

Abstract: A method of managing a congestion state in a server of a communication network is provided. The server includes a buffer storing a first number of service requests and having a maximum storage capacity. The method includes: in a first time frame, receiving a further service request to be stored in the buffer and determining whether to store such a further service request in the buffer or to refuse it; and, in a second time frame, deleting a second number of service requests stored in the buffer. The step of determining whether to store the further service request in the buffer or to refuse it includes refusing the further request according to a refusal probability if the first number is lower than the maximum storage capacity.