Patents Assigned to Level 3 Communication, LLC
  • Publication number: 20220014629
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for a collaboration conferencing system to track a total number of concurrently utilized ports across any number of conferencing bridges of the network for a particular customer and one or more billing actions may occur based on this tracking. This may result in an alternate billing option for the customer's use of the system. Further, a telecommunications network administrator may provide access to the collaboration conferencing system based on a total number of concurrently utilized ports rather than on a per conference or per minute basis. With the information of the number of purchased ports by the customer, the administrator may more accurately predict an available capacity for the collaboration conferencing system needed to support all of the users of the system and the potential collaboration conferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Broadworth, Robert F. Nance, Gregory T. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20220006861
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for providing an API description of an external network service and using the API to integrate the external service into a network. An embodiment operates by receiving, from a service provider, a description of an application programming interface (API), transmitting a call to the service provider using the API for creating a new instance of a service and transmitting to the service provider a traffic flow upon which the service will be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: William Sella
  • Publication number: 20220006759
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method on a device. The device has hardware including storage. The method includes obtaining log event data from at least one component or service on the device that is to be delivered to a component or service on a distinct device. Each log event data item has a priority. If a connection to an external location is lost, at least some of the log event data items are selectively stored in the storage, wherein the storing is based on priority of the log event data items. Otherwise, if the connection is not lost, at least some of the log event data items are sent to the at least one external location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Newton
  • Patent number: 11218566
    Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) includes a plurality of CDN components including at least one CDN rendezvous mechanism and at least one control core. The CDN components are controlled by control core data from the at least one control core. Some CDN components obtain CDN resources including control core data from at least some other CDN components. The CDN components use the CDN rendezvous mechanism to select one or more CDN components from which to obtain CDN resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Laurence R. Lipstone, William Crowder, Jeffrey G. Koller, David Fullagar, Maksim Yevmenkin, Christopher Newton
  • Publication number: 20210409273
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media which have instructions stored for execution on a processor, for automating the commissioning of a transport network element within a network. A system configured according to this disclosure can be an Automated Commissioning Tool which can initiate communications with a network element on the network. The Automated Commissioning Tool can then retrieve updated firmware corresponding to the network element and configure the network element to have the updated firmware. Finally, the Automated Commissioning Tool can determine, from a network plan, a first port on the network element which is to be connected via a cross-connect to a second port on the network element and establish the cross-connect on the network element. At this point the network element may be commissioned to operate as a transport network element within the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Lehman, Erik W. McLeod
  • Patent number: 11206289
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing monitoring and detection of fraudulent or unauthorized use in telephone conferencing systems or voice networks. In various embodiments, a computing system might monitor call activity through telephone conferencing system or voice network. In response to detecting use of the telephone conferencing system or voice network by at least one party based on the monitored call activity, the computing system might identify incoming and/or outgoing associated with a call initiated by the at least one party. The computing system might analyze the identified incoming and/or outgoing call data to determine whether the call initiated by the at least one party constitutes at least one of fraudulent use or unauthorized use of the telephone conferencing system or voice network. If so, the computing system might initiate one or more first actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Uzelac, Andrew J. Broadworth, Robert P. Slaughter
  • Patent number: 11206203
    Abstract: Embodiments generally disclosed herein include a computer-implemented method for monitoring and correlating network traffic data associated with a primary network that is in communication with a plurality of secondary networks. The method generates a network traffic data set by monitoring network traffic between the primary network and the plurality of secondary networks. The method also determines a mapping of network connectivity by monitoring inter-network routing information between the primary network and the plurality of secondary networks. In addition, the method generates a traffic measurement data set by monitoring network utilization statistics between the primary network and the plurality of secondary networks. With the collected data sets, the method then calculates a relational network mapping between the primary network and the plurality of secondary networks by correlating the network traffic data set, the mapping of network connectivity, and the traffic measurement data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Kane, Joseph Lawrence, Maria Farnon, Rick Nooner, Raoul Alcala, Mark Taylor
  • Patent number: 11206211
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing traffic through a network along Label-Switched Paths (LSPs) that may extend across multiple autonomous systems include performing Internet Protocol (IP) routing lookups as a packet is transmitted along the LSP. In one implementation, a packet having a predetermined value (which may be inserted by an upstream network device) is received at a network device after travelling along a first segment of an LSP. In response to identifying the predetermined label value of the packet, the network device may perform an IP routing lookup using IP routing information included in the packet to identify a next hop for the packet. The network device may then update a label of the packet such that the packet is routed along a second segment of the LSP and transmit the communication packet to the next hop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Osborne
  • Publication number: 20210392202
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to artificial intelligence log processing and CDN optimization. In examples, log data is processed at a node of the CDN rather than transmitting all of the log data for remote processing. The log data may be processed by a model processing engine according to a model, thereby generating model processing results. Model processing results are communicated to a parent node, thereby providing insight into the state of the node without requiring transmission of the full set of log data. Model processing results and associated information may be used to alter the configuration of the CDN. For example, a model processing engine may be added or removed from a node based on a forecasted amount of log data. As another example, edge servers of a node may be added or removed based on expected computing demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: William R. Henning, Steven M. Casey, Todd A. Borchert
  • Publication number: 20210382537
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing energy consumption. A method may include aggregating, for a prior time period, prior usage data from a plurality of computing nodes. Based on the aggregated prior usage data from the plurality of computing nodes, a usage threshold for decreasing cooling system output for the plurality of computing nodes and a local-time threshold for decreasing the cooling system output for the plurality of computing nodes are determined. Current usage data for the plurality of computing nodes is then received. When the current usage data reaches the usage threshold and the local time is after the local-time threshold, output of the cooling systems of the plurality of computing nodes is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Flynn, Jason Huselton, Paul Brannigan
  • Publication number: 20210385240
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer implemented method receives flow data for a network flows. The method extracts a tuple from the flow data and calculates long-term and short-term trends based at least in part on the tuple. The long-term and short-term trends are compared to determine whether a potential network anomaly exists. If a potential network anomaly does exist, the method initiates a heavy hitter detection algorithm. The method forms a low-complexity intermediate stage of processing that enables a high-complexity heavy hitter detection algorithm to execute when heavy hitters are likely to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Sergey Yermakov
  • Patent number: 11196704
    Abstract: A DNS resolution request for a hostname of a CDN is received. An edge server of the CDN may be identified, which may be associated with a subnet. The subnet is used to generate a response IP address, where the remaining bits of the response IP address may be used to store requestor information (e.g., a requestor IP address). When a client computing device uses the response IP address to access the edge server, requestor information is extracted and associated with client computing device information (e.g., an IP address and/or location, etc.) in an association record. Association records may be used to determine predicted characteristics for devices served by a requestor. When the authoritative DNS server resolves a request from the requestor, such predicted characteristics may be used rather than relying solely on information about a requestor. Thus, an edge server proximate to the predicted location may be returned instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Johns
  • Publication number: 20210377209
    Abstract: A content provider has a plurality of content provider domain names, and a content delivery network (CDN) allocates a plurality of CDN domain names to the particular content provider. The content provider domain names are mapped to the CDN domain names. CDN domain names are bound to corresponding CDN clusters. The binding of the of CDN domain names to corresponding CDN clusters is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Newton
  • Patent number: 11190442
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to enabling transparency for network traffic through an off-net site using the concept of static Pseudo-Wire (PW) of arriving data packets at a Network Interface Device (NID). In one aspect, a method of providing transparent Ethernet private line service includes receiving, at a network interface device of an enterprise network, a packet, the enterprise network being configured to receive the Ethernet private line service from a service provider; determining, by the network interface device, whether the packet is a raw data packet or a statically pseudo-wired packet; and performing, by the network interface device, a pseudo-wire encapsulation process if the packet is the raw data packet or a pseudo-wire de-capsulation process if the packet is the statically pseudo-wired packet, prior to delivering the packet to a corresponding destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey McNally, James Bachtel
  • Patent number: 11190532
    Abstract: A system can monitor the server for indications of an attack and adjusts server settings accordingly. In response, the system can increase server tolerance in a systematic way to deal with DDoS by adjusting server settings appropriately. Conversely, when the server is not under attack, the settings can be adjusted to those for standard operations (e.g., adjusted downward), as they are more optimal for normal, non-attack operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Smith, Shawn Marck
  • Patent number: 11176595
    Abstract: An order for telecommunications services is received comprising order parameters including a CPE device configuration request for a customer network. A warehouse is selected as a staging location based upon the order parameters, available inventory of the CPE device, and shipping information from the warehouse to the customer network. A bay of a rack at the staging location is selected to stage a CPE device that matches the specifications of the CPE device configuration request. The CPE device is validated by verifying hardware of the CPE device and whether the CPE device is loaded with certain predetermined software. A configuration is executed to the CPE device to provide the telecommunication services according to the order parameters. The configuration is saved and the CPE device is prepared for installation at a customer location. The CPE device may be shipped to the customer network using the order parameters and shipping information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Hoxworth, David D. Hughes, Terrence J. Cuny
  • Patent number: 11178049
    Abstract: Systems and methods for provisioning network services include receiving a provisioning request and, in response, initiating a first configuration operation in which a network address is assigned to a piece of network equipment for providing the network service. A network service path is established to the address such that when the equipment is connected to the network, a second configuration operation may be initiated in which the equipment is initialized to perform one or more network functions in support of the network service. Submission of provisioning requests may be conducted through a portal or similar environment that further enables users to analyze, modify, or otherwise manage their network equipment and services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Gundersen, Steven M. Rdzak, Rene Grippo
  • Patent number: 11171914
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods for automatically scanning a network for network devices, retrieving and storing device information associated with any identified network devices, and updating records of a DNS based on the retrieved device information. The updated records of the DNS may include the IP address of a given network device and a device name that is automatically generated from the retrieved device information using a set of naming rules applied to the device information. Accordingly, subsequent queries including the device names may be submitted to the DNS to retrieve the corresponding IP addresses. The resulting device names generated by applying the naming rules may be based on, among other things, logical or physical properties of the network devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan J. Dreyer
  • Publication number: 20210344585
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems for providing multiple egress routes from a telecommunications network for a client of the network. In general, the system provides for a client of the network to receive intended packets of information through multiple connections to the network such that load balancing and failover services for traffic to the customer are provided. The process and system allows for telecommunications network to utilize a common next-hop value of announced border gateway protocol (BGP) routes to advertise multiple routes to reach a destination customer network or address. By utilizing a common next-hop value in the announced BGP information, the devices of the network may load balance communication packets to the destination customer or address among the multiple egress locations from the network, as well as providing fast failover to alternate routes when a failure at the network or customer occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Ferguson, Eric Osborne, Clyde David Cooper, III, Brent W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210345023
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for a configurable optical peering fabric to dynamically create a connection between participant sites without any physical site limitations or necessity of specialized client and network provider equipment being located within such a facility. Client sites to a network may connect to a configurable switching element to be interconnected to other client sites in response to a request to connect the first client site with a second site, also connected to network, via the switching element. A request may trigger verification of the requested and, upon validation, transmission of an instruction to the switching element to enable the cross connect within the switching element. The first site and the second site may thus be interconnected via the switching element in response to the request, without the need to co-locate equipment or to manually install a jumper between client equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Laurel Clark, Clyde David Cooper, III, Andrew Dugan